2. Lore tells us that the Four were each in charge of four Hallows of Power, which in turn channeled all the
powers in the Isla. Serena the Graceful kept Amrya, the Hallow of Water. Mirantha the Patient was the
guardian of Venya, the Hallow of the Earth. Nalaithe the Ardent wielded Narya, the Hallow of Fire. And the
Elf-King, Mirinos the Wise, was in charge of Raya, the chief of the Four, the Hallow of the Winds.
3. But as the long ages passed, one of the Four began to turn her heart away from the City and the Elves.
What was it that first stroked the malice of Nalaithe, keeper of Narya, the Hallow of Fire? Alas, no one truly
knows, even today. She had for long kept her dissension hidden, and only the lengthening shadows knew
her secret counsels. And yet, whatever the spark was, it was enough to set the world ablaze.
4. At last, when her hate reached its height, she used whatever strength she hadâand that strength was great
indeed, for the Power of Fire was in her keepingâand directed it towards dark thoughts. From warmth and
life she turned her mind away, and instead she thought of razing and corrupting and destroying and
consuming all that stood in her way.
She bent all her Power into the reduction of the Isla into ashes.
7. ...that Nalaithe the Black, self-styled Dark Queen of the Isla, first emerged in the annals of our histories.
8. âBut we have already heard of her, Mother,â Isildur interrupted. âBut she is only a midwifeâs tale, told to
frighten young children to sleepâor, in any case, to obedience, is she not?â
âPerhaps, yes, Isildur. And yet, perhaps it is also true. No one is certain.â
9. âBut what think you, Anarion, my dear child?â
âI... I think she is... well... she is somewhat scary, Mama,â Anarion admitted. âWhat Isi said is true. We have
heard of the... well, the Dark Queen... in stories. A little. But still...â
10. âThere,â the King Arthur said. âThere. O Jasmin Queen, my heart, I shall say it again: these stories are
perhaps not what is best for our children. What is the point, in any case? Even if the stories were true,
Nalaithe now is nothing more than a fading memory. Are we not only giving AnâI mean to say, are we
not only bringing a needless anxiety into our childrenâs minds?â
11. âI am surprised indeedâyou of all people should know the value of the stories, O Arthur King. Is it not
through the stories that we find ourselves? Do we not, by listening to the old epics, learn to express our fears
and our desires, and choose to be a hero or a villain? This is why we tell ourselves the stories over and over
again, is it not?â
12. âI suppose you are right, O Queen.
Well, I am off. Isildur, you may follow me later into the crypt, if you so wish.â
âYes, Father. ...So, the Dark Lady emerged. What then, Mother?â
13. Now, Nalaithe, being a former member of the Four, knew that the race of Men was to awake soon in the
Isla. With the combined strength of the Hallow of Fire and her dark will she was able to discover the newly
roused Men even before the Elves.
She saw them in the Forest of Slumber, idle, wild, and naked, finding delight in everything around them, for
to them all was young and fresh. They were carefree, knowing naught then of pride nor wealth nor power.
And Nalaithe forged a plan.
14. She sent her emissariesâElves like her, though less in power, who have also fallen into evil waysâamong
Men. At first it seemed to Men that their guests were friends bringing words of wisdom and good will, for
the emissaries taught them many things, and opened many new horizons.
15. The High Elves, they were told, ruled nominally over the entire Isla. The Fair Folk were wise and powerful,
and they built many wondrous white cities with towering spires. And yetâwas it fair, the emissaries asked,
that the Elfin Council and its people lord over the entire isle when they barely could fill the land, and indeed
keep mostly along the coasts? Were not Men numerous and strong, as the Elves were? Why could not Men
be made co-rulers and fill, exploit, and subdue the inlands, at the least?
16. And the emissaries taught them the mastery of fire, which to this day both serves and betrays all Men...
17. ...and with fire Men wrought bronze and iron and steel, weapons and industry.
18. So it came to pass that at length the numerous race of Men, proud and ambitious, were made subject to the
Dark Queen whom they worshipped as a goddess. And as the forests withered and died before axe and fire
and the plentiful bounty Men once received without great toil disappeared, they grew discontent.
19. And Nalaithe the Black put forth her solution: that Men should swell her armies and join her in the
impending Great Rebellion against the High Elves.
20. Those who would still cling to the Elves and the old ways were to be weeded out.
21. And Men were to strike first, and strike hard, at the heart of Elfindom itself.
22. âI know this,â Isildur said. âThis was the First War of legends, is this not? It was a dark day, a bloody day, and
the hordes of Men came yelling and crashing against even the very gates of Elfinar itself. And the Elves with
their bright armor and keen swords and sure bows stood their ground.â
âYes, Isildur. That terrible battle in the White City is remembered by some even unto this day.â
âRemembered, Mother?â
23. âOh, yesâor, at least, so some claim. Terrible the Battle at Elfinar was, and a great part of Men and Elves
were slain needlessly, and fire ravaged the cityâs beautiful towers and lush gardens. But even as the Fair Folk
gave way before Nalaitheâs thralls there was one in Elfinar who stood still, his sword at the ready, and it is
through his account that we still tell these stories up to this day.â
âBut who is this witness, Mother?â
24. âCan you not guess? Isildur? Anarion?â
âThe Elf-King, Mama! He must have been there to fight with his people.â
âThat is nonsense, âNarion. There is no Elf-King. He is only a legend, a fairy tale.â
âOh, I would not be so sure, Isildur, my son.â
25. But whether the Elf-King does or does not exist is perhaps of little importance now to our story, for even
those who believe may for now suspend their judgment. But for those who do believe, they shall know that
in those days the Elves were almost overrun. Lending their sinews and spirits to the Dark Queenâs cause, Men
were able to drive the High Elves into a desperate last stand by the Great Fountain.
26. Untold numbers of Elves caught unarmed and harmless perished, caught between fire and bloodied steel.
28. It seemed, at last, that Nalaithe the Black would have the victory. And perched atop the burning heights of
the City, seeing the blind carnage she had caused by setting Men against Elves, Nalaithe laughed.
29. But it was at that moment, when all hope had failed, that the White Witch emerged to challenge Nalaithe
and her foul sorcery.
30. It was a terrible battle, though the greater part of Men and Elves only heard distant rumbling and saw flashes
of terrible new stars as if from afar. And yet upon the heights of the City of Elfinar Power was matched
against Power: arrayed against Nalaitheâs unholy fire and malicious will were the White Witchâs bright light.
31. âAnd, in the end, Nalaithe was defeated, and her form was broken and cursed into the shadows, and there
she remains, so the Wise say.â
âBut what of this White Witch?â
âShe, too, was lost. No book of lore has ever revealed who she was or where she lived. All that we can say is
that the White Witch saved the Isla, and then... she vanished.â
32. âBut what about the Elves, Mama? They were saved, were they not? And yet we see no Elves these days.â
âYes, indeed, Nalaitheâs army scattered and the Elves were saved. But being saved does not always mean that
everything is to return as they once were, my dear Anarion. For every War of Power that happens in this
Isla, there is always a price to pay, a sadness to follow. After the First War, the High Elves found their
numbers dwindled, their beautiful cities in ruins, and their joys shattered.â
33. âIt was then that the great part of the remaining High Elves decided to forsake the Isle and sail across the Sea,
never to return unless perhaps at some unforeseen summerâs day.â
34. âAh, this is where I make my leave,â Isildur said. âI truly am sorry, Motherâbut Father does expect me
downstairs.â
âOfâof course, my child. Off you go, then.â And his mother having said that, young Isildur, the Heir
Apparent, left the sitting room. Seeing Anarion stay, however, the Queen asked, âHow about you, my love?
Would you not want to join your brother?â
35. âOh, I would, but... well, I like listening to your stories, Mama. Besides, I cannot keep up with Isi. Even if I
want to do so, I cannot. I am not as big nor as strong as my brother. Swords and horses and battles are his
provinceâbut not mine.â
âIs that so? Is this what you think? But what does my Anarion want? What would be his province?â
âI... I want to learn more of the old days, Mama. I want to know more of the High Elves and, well, their
history. I... I guess I am more of a listener, really.â
36. Well, then. We shall continue.
As we have said, the Elves finally decided to flee the Isla. They loved the land, it was true, but they had begun
to see that their power had faded and that the time has come for Men, for better or for worse, to dominate
the Isle.
37. And so it was with great sadness that the Elves, in long solemn processions, abandoned their cities and made
their way into the ports.
The chief of these ports was at White Harbor in the southwest, near the City of Elfinar. There, guarded still
by the Elfin hosts, the Fair Folk fled, and the portâs wide gates saw the passing of many Elves beneath
beautiful but sad banners.
38. And thus the High Elves took to the ships and bade farewell to the land they once loved...
40. âSo is that it, Mama? All the Elves just... left?â
âOh, noânot for us who, in the first place, believe the old stories. For it is said that the Elf-King and his
retainers remain even now, watching and waiting, preserving what may be preserved.â
41. âNo, the last Elfin ship has not yet sailed, Anarion, child.â
42. âI... I think it is sad, Mama, that the Elves are gone.â
âSo it is. Much more would have been gained were Elves and Men stand together.â
âYea, I thought so, too. Aie, if only the olden days were to return, Mama! It would be a most wondrous
thing, I suppose.â
43. âWell, who knows? Perhaps all would someday be brought backâand yet be better than before. It is what
we all hope. Perhaps, my dear Anarion.
Perhaps.â
* * *
44. But perhaps it would be better if we are to first trace the goings-on throughout the Isla. Even before Isildur
and Anarion sat listening to the Queen Jasminâs stories of Elves and ancient battles, a child in the next
house was all set to grow up.
âIsidra! I am glad you could come!â Eowyn exclaimed.
âOf course Iâd come, Eowyn. Iâd be a bad friend if I were to ignore your requests, right?â
45. âBesides, I heard your mother was giving away free toys. A new line in her workshop, apparentlyâand all
the kids want one.â
46. âAh, I knew there was an ulterior motive.â
âHaha! Donât worry, Eowyn. I and the others came mostly as friends. ...Though having a slice of good cake
never did hurt anybody.â
âOh, I love you too, Isidra.â
âI know, I love me too!â
47. âJeannie!â
âBel-Bel. Glad you could come.â
âAnd I, for one, am glad to see you are having no more adventures, Jeannie. Why, look, you are better off
safe and in one piece!â
âOh, wellâIâd really love to blow myself up, but sadly, that would not do. I do have a child to raise and all.â
48. Soon enough, it was time for the child in question to grow up. And that, Eowyn did amid a small
celebration with family and friends.
âAnd the caaake, Eowyn, remember! Shaaaaare the caaaaake!â
50. âBut it would cost you.â
Eowyn grew up rather well, didnât she? She is a Fortune/Family Sim with the LTW of becoming a... wait for
it... yep. Criminal Mastermind.
Though with those 10(!) Nice Points Iâm sure sheâll leave a note of apology for every crime done. And then
sheâll refurbish everything a the next day.
51. âAnd, yes, my Eowyn did try and charge her friends for her birthday cake. But, Nice is as Nice does, so in the
end she auctioned it for only one gold piece. Still, such a display of entrepreneurial skills, no? And she is
industrious and all. Perfect for your worthy institution, I daresay.â
52. âOh, is that so, Missusâ?â
âIt is âMiss,â actually, Headmaster. By the way, have I already shown you my wonderful sword collection?â
âAh. No. But your daughterâEowyn, yes?âis, of course, welcome to our school. There is no question, no
question at all, regarding that matter.â
53. âWell. Wow. Private school! Thank you, Jeannie.â
âDo not mention it.â
âOf course.â
âNo, I mean, seriously. Do not mention the sword collection to just about anyone. You might still use that
card for the next generation.â
54. Eowyn did rather well in private school, of course. Moreover, she began meeting new people. Her nice
disposition made it rather easy for her to adjust and make more friends.
55. As for Jeanne, she was reaping success in her endeavors. With the income from both her job and her
workshop, she was able to expand the Tourblanc Residence into a veritably formidable white tower,
complete with a stable and a loft for her magical experiments.
56. Jeanne was even able to landscape herself a small garden, thanks to the tree seedlings and the odd stone
artifact she had acquired in her exploits as a one-time Criminal Mastermind.
57. All in all, it was all good, Jeanne concluded.
(And, yes, the sword collection was not a lie.)
58. But... was it, really?
âOh, great, itâs your avatar. Still badly dressed as ever, I see.â
âJeanne, I do not have the time for the usual shenanigans. You know how lazy and introverted I amâI do
not come out unless I really have something important to say.â
59. âWait, does this involve me and my family again? Another long-lost relative to save? Or another kitten to
settle down on solid ground? But I have adventure-retirement plans. Being a stay-at-home person has been
rather great for my complexion.â
âJeanne, youâd have to ditch your plans, sorry. I need you to do something for me...â
* * *
61. âYou guys are all tall!â Zane ended up saying.
âOh, we have just grown into teens,â Eowyn replied. âToday is your birthday, Zane, right? So you would be
just like us in no time.â
âI wonder. What is it like, being older?â
62. âWell, Iâve just turned older, myself, so I canât really say anything yet. But the othersâthe kids in the
Orphanage, remember?âgot there earlier than us.â
63. âAnd itâs all great, or so Isidra says. We get to cook our own meals, go about the City during evenings, and,
well, âboss the smaller ones around.ââ
âOh, no. I donât think Iâll want to do that.â
âNor I, actually. She said thereâs one downside, though. Less energy.â
64. âBut how about you?â Eowyn asked. âHow have things been going around here?â
â...And Iâll bet you a silver piece that he will grow up fiiineââ
âIsidra! Not within his hearing!â
âUm... donât mind them, Zane. Isidraâs Romance aspect is fairly manageable, donât worry.â
65. âOkay. You remember my brother Cirdan, yes?â
âYea, Jeannie visits here from time to time. She tells me everything.â
66. âIt was his birthday a week ago. We even had cake.â
68. âHeâs very, very talented, too. ...Though sometimes I suspect heâs using more than logic when we play chess.
But thatâs okayâI beat him a fair number of times, anyway.â
69. âMomma and Papa have enrolled Cirdan and I into private school.â
70. âOur little sister Luthien still canât go, though. But thatâs okay. Sheâs learning very fast, so private school or
not, sheâs still our smart little princess.â
71. âAnd, there. Cirdan and I are doing the best we can to make Momma and Papa proud. Allâs great!â
âThatâs nice, Zane. Hey, I think itâs time, now.â
74. âAlright! There. Iâve made my wish.â
And after smiling to his little crowd of friends and well-wishers, Zane Labouis blew the candles and turned
to his face a new phase of his life.
76. âAlright! Welcome to the slightly older childrenâs community, Zane! Weâve got half-eaten cake.â
âHa-ha. Thanks, Isidra, and all you guys.â
âItâs nothing. Heck, we orphans should be the ones thankful for not forgetting us. And Iâm doubly thankful
you made me win that bet. By Elves! Ha!â Then, Isidra added, âWell, I guess you canât tell us your wish (as
itâs bad luck), but, heeeey, if your Family aspect, you know...â
77. âThatâs quite nice of you, but... I think Iâve already got someone in mind.â
âReally? Whoâooooh!â Isidra exclaimed, seeing where Zaneâs eyes were directed. âNot a bad choice, there.â
78. âBut, really, though... Iâm sorry if...â
âGeesh, Zane, I never knew youâre such a worrywart,â Isidra interrupted. âNooo problem, really. We
Romancers just hit on everybody, and then we recover easily.â
âButââ
âWell, no, I guess thatâs a bad stereotype, but donât worry about me. Youâre cute, but not my kind of cute.â
79. â...Well, if you say so... but for the record, Isidra, you look great.â
âWow. Thanks?â
âItâs just that... well... Iâm waiting for someone else.â
80. âAh, well. Dang, thatâs really unfortunate.â But Isidra was grinning. âStill, nothing lost in me trying. Weâve
got a history, after all.â
â...We... we do? I mean, we were good friends in the Orphanage, but I really didnât knowââ
âOh, Zane, I was just teasing. Youâre such an adorable little kid. Never change, okay?â
* * *
81. ââ... The sepulcher shall be your first kiss.â
But who? To whom do these staves apply?â
82. Days after hearing the prophecy, the King Arthur had continually asked himself the same question. Danger
was hanging upon hisâhis!âown children, but which one?
âPapa! Papa!â Isildur laughed even as he ran towards him. Arthur allowed himself a smile.
âWell, Isildur, my Heir! On your legs, already? Why, you may yet be such a strong man in timeâbut it is
rather too early, now, is it not? Your mother would be distressed if she sees you awake so early.â
84. âAnarion!â Arthur immediately bent over his second child. A little bump stood out against his face, red and
angry. âAre you hurt?â
â...âS...sâokay... P-Papa. Want t-toy, is all.â
But Arthur could not but worry. After some time Isildur had already shown signs of development: his limbs
were firm, and his grip was steady. Anarion, however, was always stumbling, always slipping. His arms were
thinner, more fragile. Perhaps...
85. âYou have to be more careful, Anarion. The toyboxâs lid is very heavy. What if it snapped shut and slammed
against your neck?â
âS-sorry, Papa.â
âI would not want you to take the toys our all by yourself, alright? Wait for me or for your mother.â
âO-okay.â
86. Meanwhile, the Queen Jasmin took no chances with the childrenâs welfare. From Jeanneâs workshop she
acquired a Servant to help manage the palaceâs domestic affairs.
87. âArise, Servant, and with fealty manage this House. This shall be your service.â
âI hear and obey, milady.â
âVery well. And you shall be known as Guinevere.â
88. From that day on, Guinevere took good care of the household, especially the children.
89. And soon it was time for the twin boys to grow into children.
90. âAre you ready, my little Heir?â
âIsildur grow big and strong! Like Papa.â
âYes, my son. Yes, you will.â
91. Indeed, Isildur proved to be a winsome Heir, for his outgoing and forward character endeared him to many.
Even then his bright green eyes and his strong jaw made him handsome, and much like his father and his
grandfather, whom people still remembered.
92. Anarion, on the other hand, was rather thinner and seemed to recall more his motherâs features.
93. The King Arthur spared no time in rearing Isildur to be a great Heir.
âRemember, Isildur. A King is as strong in battle as he is as just upon his throne. He is first in every assault,
and last in every retreat. His swordâs tip is ever pointed towards the enemy, and his mind towards wisdom,
his heart towards honor. Do you understand my meaning?â
94. âYes, Father.â
âVery well. We shall resume training your swordsmanship tomorrow.â
âCan I come along, Papa?â
âWell... yes, of course, Anarionâthough perhaps... perhaps in some other time. Real blades are dangerous
to wield, after all. And if it is youâI mean, you might get hurt.â
95. In the course of time Isildur proved himself of sturdy arms and nimble limbs, capable of outrunning,
outwitting, and outmaneuvering everyone his age in the field. The practice of arms delighted him, and he
cared not for stories and histories, unless these were about the ancient and glorious wars.
So it was that everyone marveled at Isildurâs person and prowess, and many saw the lineage of the noble
Mercators in his skills and image.
96. Anarion, although he was also fond of activity and was an amiable character in his own right, kept to his
studies and found joy in listening to his motherâs tales, especially regarding the High Elves. And so he grew
in wisdom and in understanding, but to many it seemed that in the art of battle and soldiery, of which kings
and princes were supposed to excel, Anarion lagged ever behind his brother.
97. These and more began to trouble the Queen Jasminâs mind. For she was half of the Elfin race herself, and
though she would not live forever as the High Elves, still her lifeâs span would far exceed her husbandâs and
perhaps even her childrenâs. Moreover, there was the prophecy and its ominous words.
In the end, she resolved to do as her gypsy friends advised.
98. The Queen went forth to see Her.
Her dwelling, the Queen knew (or so one could say, though indeed she employed a great amount of
guesswork as well), laid hidden at the heart of the Forest of Slumber, from where a great aura of native
power still sprung. But instead of a lofty tower or a mighty castle, the White Witch lived in a simple solitary
hut, surrounded by a garden of lovely trees and flowers.
And the Queen saw, from afar, a tall white figure likewise studying her.
99. âSo the Queen Jasmin, daughter of the Elf-Kingâs daughter, arrives. Come! This is as was long ago foreseen.â
âYes, I come at last, though I hoped things would not come to this. But tell me, and tell me true, where is
the White Witch?â
âWhat? What is this? Surely you are not looking for someone else. The many who seek Her find themselves
addressing me.â
100. âAnd this is why many find Her not,â the Queen answered. âWhat is fair is not always what is White.â
âBut do not the stories often tell of great and beauteous ladies who keep watch of the Powers?â
âYea, but one must perceive beyond the stories. Surely those who have seen as much years as you and I have
already seen enough not to be deceived by what is seen.â
101. âAie, your Majesty, I see that you are not one to be taken in. Old many might call usâbut there are those
older than us still, and the older roots are the stronger.â
âThough I may say that, if we speak of novices, you are quite near to achieving that age and wisdom. I sense
Power here, and some of it comes from you.â
âYour Majesty is very kind. She is in the hut, waiting for you.â
102. âWell, Apolline, child, we really must not keep the Queen waiting. And besides, we have little time for idle
chatâmy back, how it hurts. Do tell her to come in.â
âYes, Mother. If her Majesty so pleases...â
103. âDo forgive my daughter, Apolline,â the White Witch said as Queen Jasmin stepped into the hut; the
former seemed busy concocting some potion in her cauldron. âIt was unnecessary for you, perhaps, to be
put into the Test. But it is our way of keeping the foolish and the vainglorious Men out.â
104. âAfter all, there are so many things to do, and it would not do to be disturbed.â
105. âThen I am sorry for having disturbedââ
âBah, none of that,â the White Witch said. âThe Elf-Kingâs descendant is most welcome to our aid. Besides,
it is chiefly because of you that we especially do not want to be disturbed these days.
But we tarry. What can I do for you, child?â
106. âBut perhaps you already know of prophecy, as the gypsies do?â
âYes, I have heard of it. And it is both great news and sad. âThe sepulcher shall be your first kissâ is the last
stave, I believe. I see you are worried about this.â
âDoes this truly mean, then, that one of themâ?â
107. âMaybe. But then, maybe not, your Majesty. Some stories are set in stone. Others are still to be written
down. How can we tell which is which until the events unfold?â
âThen I have to take this risk. I hoped things would not come to this.â
âReally? I wonder... but come, follow me.â
108. The White Witch led the Queen once more outdoors. Standing before her throne and her Hallow of
Powerâfor she was in possession of oneâthe older one continued:
âNow you must choose, and choose wisely. You are aware that the spell of Protection requires great
Powerâand that Power is to be taken from your vitality. If you shall press on, then you will lose the grace
of Elfin blood: your life is shortened, your body subjected to disease and human pain, your sight dimmed,
your skill diminished. Do you still persist?â
109. âYea, I do. What is Elfin grace to me if my family is to fall apart around me?â
âWell, then.â The White Witch extended her open palms to the Queen Jasmin. âThen how shall things go?
Do you wish to forestall the prophecy and save he whom the Fates have doomed?â
110. But the Queen answered, âNo. I only wish to make secure my son, Anarion.â
111. âIndeed? But suppose Anarion is not heââ
âNo, perhaps he is not,â Jasmin admitted. âBut even so, I choose him.â
âIf you so wish, then.â
113. And thus the White Witch uttered words from an ancient language, performing her spell. The effect was
immediate: the Queen staggered back, her knees giving way as she felt her lifeâs force drained from her,
passing into the older woman.
114. The White Witch, on her part, erupted in a blaze of bright light. âIt is done,â she announced in the midst of
her radiance.
115. And as the light faded...
âYou... you...!â
âYes, child. Your age is added into mine. What did you expect? That I should turn younger? Power hardly
works that way. The day I grow young again is the day I forego of all my Power.â
116. âI thank you, Eldest, for this.â
âIt is nothing,â the Witch said. âYour familyâs interests are mine as well. From that line may yet spring the
Islaâs hope.â
117. âBut what I do not understand is... why Anarion? That was a blind gamble from your part, your Majesty.â
âIt is, indeed, and even now my mind races back to it. But if the Fates have already decided, then what
protection can save my children? Moreover, Isildur is already under his fatherâs guidance and watch. It is now
my calling to mind our other son.â
âThis is an interesting reasoning,â said the Witch. âMost people would want certainty. They would have so
worded their wish so that they would spare whoever should be spared.â
118. And yet, as the Queen turned to go, she breathed, âBut what surety can we ever have, Eldest?â
âNone, child. It is both our trouble and our fortune. So you have learned this, too? At least one still lives
who listens to the stories.
No, not even the wisest can say whether our Isla will indeed be saved. But let me tell you this: no motherâs
sacrifice is ever pointless. Those who crave surety have not seen this yet.â
119. âYes, it is as I hope.
And I put my hope in that risk, in that âperhapsâ.
Fare you well, Eldest. Maybe things will turn out well.â
121. â...So the histories have so far said, Isildur, my son,â the King Arthur said. Before them the Elf-Kingâs sword
glittered, its light strong and unbroken. âHistory will repeat itself. But when it does, we shall be ready.
You shall be ready. You shall protect the weak, avenge the wronged, and set things right.â
122. âRemember those who have gone before us, and do as they have done. Stay the course and keep yourself
true, and, as our history has proven, you shall do great things. Do you understand this meaning?â
123. âYes. I do, Father.
I shall be strong. I shall be true and sure.
For I am the Heir.â