Sun shone over the green fields of Ebening. Outside of the cliffs that surrounded it, winter ruled the land. Snow ledges had just collapsed, blocking the Rayan Pass, and Valley of Dreams was shut off from the rest of the world till the next spring. Froas' waters merrily bubbled, flowing from the Clear Spring, the origin of the great river. The trees were golden with the colors of the fall, and birds sang in the tree-tops. Fields were covered with the golden wheat crops, and inhabitants of the valley were at work harvesting the crops for the incoming wintertime. Bells rang throughout the valley as they called the monks of Fertin to the morning prayer. Alfred and Merin gazed in wonder upon the valley. This corner of the world seemed completely untouched by the winter, death, and evil that walked everywhere else. Here light fought off the darkness, and warmth and plenty of the earth supported the many forms of life living in the sheltered valley in the Mountains. Above the valley the mists swirled higher up, and snow covered the stones. Banion and Rusty dismounted the horses, looked upon the valley, and turning towards Alfred and Merin, said almost in unison:

-Dear friends, now that the earth is warm and soft, we can travel as we like, with our feet firmly on the ground. This seems like a fine place and a green valley. But we feel slightly famished, and we were wondering if we could proceed to a place where food is served, and a warm bed awaits the weary traveler?

Looking at those two tiny figures explaining in a rational voice that they were hungry, and that they wanted to rest, Alfred burst into laughter. Merin joined him immediately, laughing with a clear heart. While the halflings stood there, a little confused by this outburst, Alfred said:

-My dear companions, it is just like you to think of meal and bedding. I'm very glad you accompany me, lest I go tired and hungry at all times. But fear not; The Valley of Dreams is renown for its welcome of travelers. While we are here, we will not need to worry about going hungry or having a bed to sleep in.

Merin laughed again, and took over from this point:

-He speaks the truth, my dear Banion FastFoot and Rusty StrongHilt. We shall head for the Elvenhome now, and there we shall rest, eat and drink, and maybe Alfred can find what he is looking for.

Happily smiling now, the halflings turned around and started to walk down the path into the valley, saying as they turned:

-Then what are we waiting for? We say we should start instantly.

Alfred and Merin had to laugh again seeing their youth and eagerness. They were like children, and their merriment seemed to reach for the hearts of Men and Elves alike, and bring them closer together as it was. So they took upon the winding path down into the valley.

The path was winding between the trees and meadows, fields and small cottages scattered everywhere. Soon they began to see people, working in the fields, traveling on the path, all with a smile on their faces, and they greeted everyone with a warm welcome. Men, Elves, even sturdy Dwarves and old Gnomes wandered around about their business. It was so invigorating to see life so vibrant, life so strong and rooted in good, Alfred was thinking. He thought that his soul was untouched by all the evil it had seen, but only now, that he was surrounded by light and good, did he feel the darkness surrounding his thoughts lift and disappear. Such was the magic of the Valley of Dreams, to impart light on one's soul, and leave it full of dreams. Slowly they tread on the path, feeling better with every twist and turn. The whole valley was no more than twelve leagues long and five wide, and it took them but the time of two and some hours to reach the Elvenhome.

The Elvenhome rose out of a green glade, surrounded by an old forest. Houses on trees, as well as dwellings of earth and stone intertwined together, forming a pattern of living. The floor of the town was made of stones put together, but these ones seemed to be alive with light and warmth, and didn't hurt the feet, as they gave way. The laughing voices of High Elves and their songs accompanied the travelers as they trod into the central clearing. There several stone buildings stood, mixed with many tree huts, all connected by skywalks, climbing ropes, and wooden stairs winding around the tree trunks. Merin directed his horse toward one of the white houses on the western side, and dismounted his horse when he reached it. The sign under the curved, stony roof said in elven runes and common letters: "RedLeaf Stables. Travelers Welcome". Here Alfred and Merin left their horses, taking their luggage with them. Next Merin led them to a large tree house, part of which was inside a trunk of a huge oak. This house was all made of wood, and its sign said: "Old Cook's Inn. Lodging and meals". Here they entered a small front chamber, with a desk and several chairs. Soon an elderly elf entered the room, and then Alfred inquired about room and board for four people. The elf was the innnkeeper, and he welcomed them to Elvenhome, and then got them rooms. There was enough room for them all, and each one got a single room. The prices were ludicrosly cheap, so Alfred booked the rooms for the next two weeks. Halflings gingerly thanked him for paying for them, and then quickly went to find something to eat. Meanwhile Merin told Alfred he wanted to visit some relatives, so he went off too. Alfred was left in his small wooden room, looking at his bags, thinking about how to find Kras, if he lived here. He clutched the medallion hanging on his neck, wondering where might this Kras live.

Alfred unpacked most of his bags, and arranged them in one cupboard built into the side of the room. His room had two windows looking outside, with a view of the central clearing. Loosening his cloak, Alfred left his room, and walked downstairs. There he asked the innkeeper who was smoking pipeweed if he knew anyone named Kras. The elf replied that he had heard the name, and that he believed such a person lived somewhere in the Monastery. Thanking his gracious host, Alfred left the inn. Outside he walked to the stables, wanting to take his horse to the Monastery. Half the way there, Alfred changed his mind. Horses were tired from last night's long ride, and the Monastery of Froas was fairly close by, just a league to the north, set upon a large clearing atop a small ridge. So Alfred walked instead to the northern end of the central clearing in Elvenhome, and from there took the wide path that lead directly to the main entrance to the Monastery. The Monastery was an imposing collection of stone buildings, made by the dwarven masons centuries ago, and it formed an extended enclosed square, spread in the east-west direction. Living quarters, storehouses, temples, workshops, laboratories, a library and an arsenal were arranged around the central courtyard. The Monastery had internal plumbing and central heating, via an ingenious system of pipes supplied with heat by a series of large coal furnaces. More then a thousand monks, workers, soldiers, scholars, mages, and priests dwelled here. The main gate was an imposing double-door made of huge planks of oak, and reinforced with steel rings. As Alfred approached, he saw the constant stream of people coming out and going into the monastery through the main gate, which was kept open at all times, for no enemies had attacked this place since it was founded. A great branch, shining with green leaves and wet with moisture, a symbol of god Fertin, hung directly above the main gate. Alfred entered, awed by the delicate paintings and frescoes covering the walls and the ceilings under the main gate.

The gate was about fifty feet deep, and then Alfred entered the courtyard, struck by the reflections of then sun coming off the polished tiles covering most of the ground. Inside he saw many monks and other people going about their business. Noticing the sign saying: "Main Administration" on one door, he headed there. The door was open, and it led into a roomy foyer whose walls were covered with pieces of parchment and precious p, signifying it was the main bulletin board of the monastery. In a corner Alfred saw a small wooden table, behind which sat a young human monk in a brown robe, seemingly engaged deep in meditation, snoring softly. Alfred walked over to his desk, shook up the man, and inquired:

-Greetings. I am Alfred son of Eyral, and I am looking for a man named Kras. I was told that I might find him here. I am on a personal errand.

The monk woke up, focused his eyes, and answered in a tired voice:

-You seek Councilman Kras? He is in the Council right now, but the session should be done soon. If you want, you can wait for him in his workshop. It is in section A4, look up the map in the corner... - the monk pointed his hand to the corner of the room, where a large framed map was hanging. Alfred thanked the clerk, and walked over to the map. It showed him that Kras' workshop was on the opposite end of the courtyard, in a long building called the Conservatory. Now that he knew where to go, Alfred turned around and walked out of the foyer.

Back in the courtyard, he walked over to the Conservatory and entered it through the main entrance. The Conservatory was actually one long hall, divided into sections, and each section was occupied by a small working space. Alfred walked down the hall, checking the plates with the names of the sections. Finally, near the end of the hall, Alfred spotted a plaque saying Kras Martan. This must be it, he told himself, and entered the space. It was a long room, with one side of it looking to the outside, covered with glass. The room was filled with books, shelves, pouches, alchemical apparati, odd bits and pieces of everything imaginable. Stuffed animals, levers, mechanical contraptions, toys, pieces of metal, ore samples, dried plants, and magical potions all competed for a place in the laboratory. The far corner was taken up by a writing desk. There was an empty chair sitting next to the hallway, so Alfred sat down, wondering how long will it be before this council finished its "session", thinking about how tired he was, since he didn't get any sleep in almost two days. Alfred tried to look around and to count things, to keep himself awake, but gradually the warm sunlight shining into the room and the comfortable chair won the better of him and he dozed off.

An old man in a long, flowing silvery robe entered the room, helping himself with an ornate wooden cane, with a curious shiny metallic head shaped like a circle. Seeing Alfred asleep on the chair, he smiled, and poked Alfred with his staff.

-Wake up, boy! Who are you, and what are doing sleeping in my chair?

Alfred was suddenly awoken when something hit him in the ribs, and before he cleared and focused his eyes, he was staring at the old man leaning over him, saying something, asking him about... Alfred suddenly cleared his mind, and answered, still a little dazed:

-I am Alfred son of Eyral. Please excuse me, I didn't mean to doze off in your chair. I'll be right on my way, sir, again please excu... - Alfred's voice trailed off as he looked at the man standing over him, and something in the back of his brain told him to kick himself in the back; he now remembered this man, and he said it was his chair, and it could only mean...

-Excuse my confusion, sir. Are you the one that goes by the name of Kras? For if you are, I have a delivery for you from my father, Sage Eyral.

Kras smile again, and answered:

-Why yes, that is my name, and I know who you are lad. But we've met, or don't you remember the dream?

Alfred stood thinking for a moment about what did Kras mean by that, but then he remembered the dream, the old man, everything.

-So you are the one? You are Kras Martan, the Councilman, and a friend of my father's? You visited me in that dream?

-The answer is: yes, to all of the above. Yes, I'm the one you've been searching for. - Alfred reached for the medallion to give it to Kras, but the old man stopped him. - I have no need for that medallion, and you will need it for yourself soon enough. I know what it is, but the time is short. I am glad you have finally arrived, and I know of some of the perils you conquered to arrive here. If you feel up to it, you can follow me now to the Council, where you will be told all you need to know.

Alfred thought for a moment; what was this? He was just supposed to deliver the medallion, why would he need to see this Council? Still, he trusted Kras, because he was his father's friend, and his trusted his father implicitly. Alfred knew he would never make friends with an evil man, so Alfred answered carefully:

-I am ready to see this Council, although I do not understand why...

Kras cut him off, saying:

-Good. You can tell the Council all of that, but we have to get there first. Follow me.

Kras immediately turned around, and set off down the corridor with a quick pace. Alfred followed a couple of steps behind. Kras passed back up the corridor to the doors of the Conservatory, and entered the courtyard. He then continued to the north, to an imposing building with a large tower in its center, that bore a plaque that said: "COUNCIL OF EBENING". Here Kras entered through a large double doors into a lighted antechamber, where he turned left and passed a long corridor with many doors on each side. At the end of the corridor was an inconspicuous-looking oaken door, through which they passed.

They were in the Council's chamber. It was a long room looking out into the sunlit valley. A long table with chairs on either side of it was the only piece of furniture in the otherwise empty room. Sitting in the chairs were the eleven members of the Council: all old or middle-aged, wearing robes, cloaks, hats, strange designs or tattoos, talking all at once, arguing and discussing something. As soon as Alfred and Kras entered the room, everyone quieted down. While Alfred closed the door behind him on Kras' signal, a short, bald man in a monk's outfit asked aloud:

-Is he the one?

Kras answered serenely:

-Yes, he is. The Bearer is here, and two fragments are in our possession. He says he is ready to continue with his mission. I will tell him about it, all you need to do now is seal and send out the letters.

Most of the people around the table looked a little confused, the monk was seemingly scared, and Alfred couldn't decide what to feel. Mission? Letters? What was this all about? Kras continued:

-If that is all, I will leave you, and return when it is time we descend to the Pit.

Everyone seemed to wince at the mention of the Pit, whatever it was, Alfred thought. He was about to ask a question, but the look in Kras' eyes quieted him. Kras opened the door back into the corridor, and Alfred followed him all the way out and into the valley itself. They left the Monastery, and walked till they reached the nearby woods. Here Kras stopped, looking around, as if searching for something. Satisfied, he sat down on a tree stump, and motioned Alfred to do likewise. He then started to talk:

-Alfred, boy, you see, you are here for a reason. Eyral and I had long planned for just what happened to him, and part of the plan was to send you back once you delivered the medallion. However, things have changed in a way we could not foresee, and now I have a task for you to undertake. The lives of many may depend on it, and if I'm right, a great good could be seen to happen.

Kras paused for a moment, obviously thinking what to say next. He then continued:

-You see, under the Misty Mountains there is another land, a strange place, and there many things dwell. I believe I have established that there is an underground race that may be willing to help us out in the battles to come, for the orcs march again from the frozen Northern Wastes. The only problem is, someone has to descend into their realm and talk them into making an alliance with us.

Alfred interrupted Kras and asked:

-But why is this necessary? Why do we need help? Are we under attack? Is Ebening in danger?

Kras' face darkened, and he continued:

-Yes, this is necessary, because hordes of darkness are already marching in the passes in the Misty Mountains. This winter they shall reach the Northern Pass, and if thare not stopped there, I fear for all souls from here to the Gangrel Sea. Yes, Ebening will be their first target. Our defenses are not nearly enough. The Council is sending messengers to all the lords and rulers south of here, to enlist their aid. But even with their help, still we'd be doomed if we don't find some other assistance. That is why you must descend into the Pit of Fires, and find your way below. Tomorrow I will lead you and your companions to the Pit, and then you shall go underground. Pick your company today, and take supplies. I will supply you with the magical torches to guide you in the dark, as well as with Stones of Seeing. They are magical gems that allow you to see in the dark. Alas, I myself cannot accompany you below, for I must coordinate the Council.

Alfred was both curious and concerned about what he heard, so he asked:

-What can you tell about the underground race I must find?

Kras turned his eyes, and said:

-Not much, but I do know they are skilled alchemists. They are an ancient race, dating back into the Golden Age. They had retreated into the deeps of the Misty Mountains because their bodies have difficulty retaining heat, and they are used to a much warmer climate. They reside close to volcanic vents and other sources of heat, and they have reddish skin. In the ancient tongue they were called the Hradar. When you find them, you shall know them. In order to insure your intentions as a representative of this valley, you are supposed to offer them an alliance with us. What they will think of it, I do not know. Now, you should go back into the Elvenhome, and gather your friends. No one is forced to go, even you. If you wish to stay on the surface, I would understand.

Alfred was trying to decide. He had been through hell, and now he was being asked to descend into one of his own free will. The task seemed impossible; but Alfred knew that one had to try, and besides, he couldn't bear the thought of orcish hordes destroying this valley of green peace and life, and conquering the land. Swallowing a gulp. Alfred agreed:

-I accept. I will go tomorrow, master Kras. But before I go, I wish to learn more about the medallion, and the crystal it is a fragment of. Both Master Manetor of the forest and my stepfather didnút have to time to talk of it, and Eyral said you could answer all my questions concerning it.

The old man sighed, and then started:

- Probably not all your questions, but I guess you have a right to know about Ramas and its history. The full name of the object is Ramaseidainan, which means Crystal of Power in elven, or Ramas for short. In the Golden Age, such crystals were used to collect and store the magical power welling from different points on the surface of our world. Their virtue was such that they could store great amount of magic within them, and as such could be used to cast spells of great potency even by inexpirienced mages. In the wrong hands, however, they could be used to disastrous ends. This particular crystal was broken into three parts by the elven Kings of old, to prevent it being used by the enemy in an ancient wars that surrounding the end of the Golden Age. Since then, only one fragment had continuously stayed in the hands of Men, and that is the one I myself hold. Eyral came into possesion of the other one several decades ago, and that too is a long story. However, neither Eyral nor Manetor and I realized exactly the nature of the other fragment, the Scarlet Medallion, until just two years ago. You see, the other fragment looks like a bracelet with a gem imbedded in it, and no one can tell for sure how would the third fragment look like. Besides, the method by which the crystal was split into three parts and by which it can be reunited once again is also lost, except by the Necromancers, and they are the enemy here. And now, if you have no further questions, we can finish this conversation.

Alfred said that his curiosity was satisfied, at least for now. Kras smiled, and then turned around, standing up. He then said:

-Excellent. I will meet you tomorrow at nine hours past midnight in front of the Monastery. Bring all your companions there, and we shall go. I have to leave now; I have duties to attend to. I will see you at the morrow!

With that greeting, Kras walked off back to the Monastery. Alfred was again left alone. Now that he had agreed to go underground, there was precious little time left. He stood up, and hurried back into the Elvenhome. Stepping back into the inn, he luckily found both halflings and Merin in their rooms. He called them to talk to them in his chamber. There he explained what Kras told him, and told them he was going, and that he wanted them as his companions, if they would come with him. Merin agreed instantly, laughing at the notion that the Elves would be scared of going under the ground. Halflings considered a bit, but eventually they just asked if they would have food enough for the trip. Alfred said they would get the best supplies they could. Convinced, Banion and Rusty enthusiastically agreed.

The group spent the rest of the day preparing and packing. Everyone bought tough boots, and water bags. They prepared dry foods, elven waybread, ropes and climbing gear. They also readied picks, small axes, shovels, and the like, for digging if necessary. The halflings packed their cooking gear, while Merin sharpened his arrow-tips. Alfred settled the lodging of horses for the space of several months, for he didn't know how long will this mission take. They all had a hearty dinner in the inn, talking and drinking until late in the night. Then, tired of the day's chores, they all went to sleep. Alfred awoke to the loud knocking on his door. He looked around. Sun was shining through his window, and his room was warm. The knocking repeated itself. Alfred rose, and answered the door. It was Merin, reminding him it was time to go. Alfred merrily rose out of bed, and carried his pack downstairs for breakfast. After a delicious and warm meal, he gathered everyone, and they set off to the Monastery. They reached the gates just as the bell struck nine. There, right in front of them, they saw Kras and another monk waiting for them.

Kras greeted them, and then introduced the heavy monk. His name was Rastek, and he was to follow their group, and to assist them in forging an alliance. He had with himself all the necessary seals and papers, so he was to be their secretary. The balding, heavy monk nodded to each one of them, and then joined their ranks. Kras led the way north. The walked past the green fields and glades. The sun was shining so bright that it seemed ridiculous to Alfred that he would even consider going underground, but there he was nevertheless, and he had four more people following him. Crazy it was, but such was the order of things on that day, and so they went. Just ere noon they reached a small hill, which was devoid of plants, and started to smell smoke. They passed the hill, and behind it, lo! and behold, they stood in front of a dark hole, a circular chasm whose bottom could not be seen. Foul fumes rose from it into the air, and it was about a score steps across. Its depth was unknown, but its smoking darkness told no good news. Now Kras stopped, and pulled out five small staffs, each with a gem on their ends, and five gray gemstones. He gave one to each of the travelers, and then gave them some final piece of advice:

-The underground lies below. Watch out for the fumes, wrap a scarf around your face to protect yourselves. The ropes should lower you to a level where horizontal tunnels branch out, so you can leave the Pit before you suffocate. It seems this is the end of the road for me. Alfred son of Eyral, there is great strength in you. Don't be afraid to use it. Go, and may the light step with your footsteps. Good luck to you all. Goodbye now, for I am needed back in the Monastery!

Kras hurriedly waved to them, and then started to walk back to the valley. Soon he passed behind the small hill and disappeared from the view. Alfred sighed again, as Merin and Rastek lowered and secured the ropes to rappel them down into the Pit. Soon they all their bags to the ropes, and then secured themselves. The chasm was open in front of them, and then, casting a last look at the sunshine outside, Alfred began the long descent into the bellowing darkness below him.

 

HERE ENDS THE BOOK I OF THE QUEST FOR TRUTH OF THE VOLUME I OF THE FOUNDINGS OF KINGDOMS.

 

Foundings of the Kingdoms

Volume I

Quest for Truth