In Dreams
Valadain Raikos – 10th day of Arrogan cy 4822
The sunlight seems brighter on Grayhawk as Valadain struggles for sleep. It penetrates the veils of his bedchambers and suspends him in a half sleep, semi awareness in the cold of the early morning. Winter has come prematurely to the northern realms of Grayhawk; Myrid is shrouded in a carpet of snow two months early, but the light from the north warms him.
Valadain senses the weight of two more stars in the sky…
“Greetings, Godslayer,” Willowstar intones in his mind. “Let it be known that my children have arrived; the fate of the world rests on these two infants, the fate of all religion is upon us. Though it pains me to say it you must not attempt to see them. Too much is at stake for there to be any mistakes at this stage – I am not talking about your integrity here, Valadain, for that is without question. But there are others in my lands that mistrust you and further there are die-hard Malkarians that want to see you dead.
“I feel it. Your presence in this world antagonises many – many see you as a threat to the only hope left in this world. The priests, the fallen ones, and those who worshipped Malkar fear you. That fear has turned to ignorance in many; there are countless plots against you; those that smile to your face often mask their true intent.
“The Malkarians have a price on your head.
''It could not be any other way, Lady. I have met some of them and I feel their pain. Were I still a healer, I would try to aid them, but my path lies elsewhere.''
"I have promised not to seek your children, and will hold to that word. However, I will beg you, do not leave it too late to ask help of your friends - of me, of Jarik - if things go ill. The status of Deity does not render one immune to mistake or misjudgement. I know whereof I speak!"
“No one is above misjudgment – especially not gods – it comforts me that you would come to my call…”
“But it is not all gloom, Godslayer, for within the grace of the elves you have found a sanctuary; a haven where elves will come to know and love you. Illyanth languishes [is this the correct word or should it have been 'flourishes'? An ill chosen word I think] under my protection – as does your son to be – for he also brings hope. I have seen her love for you and it will endure beyond the passing of sun and moon. My people are not bitter, nor are they cruel or relentless. In time you will become protector of the elves when they realise what you are, and in the days that follow your son’s birth the elves will need that protection and more.
Valadain tries to remain serious and focussed, but a remarkably silly grin spreads across his face at this point. A son?
“I feel his strength even now…I will endevour to treat him as one of my own; to give him the values so deep rooted in our society. You have earned much favour amongst the Elenorian nobility because of your deeds…though I still sense they fear you. If I am honest then I fear you also, Valadain.”
“Your trip to Eth has stirred the hornet’s nest. Muziel was closer to defeat than you think – though the secrets of the Dark Fire are now beyond any immortal man. It was close but he has a spy amongst you – an interloper you will not suspect – for the Echeron lord can influence any and all should he so wish.
“That spy is Viator Varkos. Though spy is not entirely accurate. The garments of Greijul (Muziel?) are not to be worn lightly, for the influence stretches beyond the soul. As soon as he (the king of thieves) donned the robes of Muziel he was doomed – and without realising it gave away your plans and secrets in your presence. Furthermore Viator is now incapable of turning against his master: the Marraq, Kelle, is a prime example of this. He was given a cloak by Greijul (Muziel?) and the elf’s mind and spirit has been clouded ever since. No mean feat since elven minds are notoriously difficult to pollute.
“Muziel wins wars not on the battlefield…before a blade is ever drawn he has an advantage. Sever your ties with the king of thieves for your own good.''
"You have said yourself, though, that the spy is not Viator himself, but his clothing and its' effects on him. I would expect Viator to pick my pocket, yes, or steal a kingdom, but not to sell the world to Muziel. He is my comrade and I would not forsake him without clear proof. Can we not warn him?"
“It was Viator himself that courted the favour of Muziel – the Echeron lord did no chasing. There is bad blood between Viator and my people but I would not lightly stand against one of your friends. Like it or not Viator and Muziel are bedfellows – much closer than you suspect – and since his kingdom lies at my southern borders the elves of the Elenoria will keep many eyes upon him…”
"Even now, in your half-sleep, Muziel is within touching distance of you.
“But take heart Valadain Raikos, Muziel is a coward for all his power. Direct confrontation is not what he desires…and most certainly it is what he fears most from you. Your destruction of Malkar has shaken his confidence. He now moves carefully, cautiously around you. He is positioning others to come against you. Have a care, Godslayer, for I feel Muziel’s minions are about to strike…”
"They shall find us ready for them. Shield those we both care for, and I shall strike for them. It is, I think, my fate."
“Truly…may the light and spirit of the elves add strength to your shield and courage to your heart…go in peace, Godslayer…friend…”