Prologue ~ Faneadar

Faneadar, once a large and powerful Dusk city, feared by human, dwarf, elf and all of the races in the Realms, is now little more than a run-down settlement of a mere fifteen houses.
The first, and by far the most powerful house in the city, is the House of Demsek, having an army of over a thousand soldiers and twenty nobles. The Demsek house covered only a small area, considering the house in which the nobles, soldiers, and servants of Demsek reside covered a ground area of over two square miles, and raised approximately forty stories towards the ceiling of the cavern, which held the bulk of the city of Faneadar.
Zesstra, Matron Mother and ruler of the house of Demsek, tired of the evil ways of her people, the Dusk Elves, diligently searched long and hard for just the right way to please the honorable Goddess Khawanna. She needed one that would prove her ways had changed and allow Khawanna, power filled leader of goodness to be proud of her, so she could move to the surface world and begin her life anew with Kylin, king of the Surface Elves’ village only a few miles away. She had met and fell in love with Kylin while out on a hunting expedition. She had gotten pregnant, but being the Matron Mother of the house of Demsek, she knew she could not stay with Kylin at that time, so she rushed back to Faneadar, promising to come back to him.
She stayed busy and made sure to wear loose clothing. Zesstra confided only in her sister, Maya that she went too far with Kylin, an elf from the surface, and was not willing to marry him. She gave the boy child to her sister and her husband who promised to raise it as their own, and no one was to know otherwise.
A couple of weeks later, spring had began, Zesstra made her way to Kylin and told him he had a son, but could not see him nor her again.
It had been years since then and Zesstra missed Kylin more than ever. She was certain this time of her love for Kylin and wanted to be with him, even though it meant giving up her home, status and most importantly a young elf named Kylendel, whom she had become extremely fond of.
Kylendel had recently gotten his minor magic perfected, and was starting on the more difficult spells.
His mother, a high priestess under the Goddess Yolesstra, a power filled evil woman that most were afraid not to serve, had started teaching him at the early age of five, for his abilities were already showing up.
Zesstra had met Kylendel when he was but ten and had snuck into a private training section, dressed up as a noble. He earned her respect and friendship when she found out he had outwitted as well as knocked out a noble to do so. Zesstra abruptly took him under her wing to train privately. She did so with great enthusiasm, once she heard his father was an expert fighter. They had met secretly for the last fifteen years.
Zesstra was more proud of Kylendel, even though he was just a commoner, for all his accomplishments, than any of her own four kids.
He was very cunning and sly. Never had she seen her children pull off the stunts he did. She knew Kylendel was headstrong and extremely smart for his age. She felt in her heart that he would remember her with highest honor, because with her status, they would never allow him to know of her escape.
A month passed slowly and several raiding parties were sent out, which she refused to participate in. She pretended to be sick and stayed inside out of everyone's sight, as she tried to think of a great deed to perform in which to prove herself to the honorable Goddess Khawanna.
Then one day about a week later, as she strolled down the hallway on her way to the training rooms, she over heard a couple of nobles talking.
Enthusiasm radiated from them, “Did you hear? The rumor is the high Clerics plan on studying the Dragon Stone.”
The other glanced about cautiously. The corners of her lips turned up slightly as her eyebrows raised in expectation. Then she uttered, “Wonderful! Are you thinking what I am thinking?”
“Yes! We must at least try for the stone. That way we can become priestesses.”
“Then we can live the good life as well.”
They chuckled as they discussed the Goddess Yolesstra's desires for the valuable Dragon Stone, and their own deepest wish to be the ones chosen to find it for her.
A twinge of excitement shot through Zesstra and suddenly she could not control her joy any longer and the corners of her lips turned upward. With a shrug of her shoulders she thought. ‘I need time to plan things out.’ Then she turned abruptly to head home.
As she entered the house she glanced about; no one was there. Hastily she headed through the sitting room to the bedroom. Nervously she snatched up all her weapons; bow, arrows, knife and a sword, and threw a few belongings into a side pouch. She grabbed up the small pouch as her eyes roamed the room for the last time. At that moment the fairy fires had formed an inviting haze about the bed. Her chest rose and fell in a troubled pattern as she turned to leave. Hurriedly she headed down the hall and a tear slid down her cheek as she thought of Kylendel. Yet she continued on, convinced this was the best thing for both of them.
In the act of finally reaching the front door a twinge of doubt ran through her, and she stood frozen in place. She took a moment to look one last time at the fairy lights as they danced about the top of the domed ceiling, the huge hot tub, and spider webs which encased all four corners of the room. At that moment a smile formed, as she saw two large spiders gnawing on their defenseless prey and she thought. ‘What a wonderful sight. Now that is what always brought joy and warmth to this room.’
Seconds later she shook off the feeling and opened the door a crack. With due precautions, Zesstra checked the hallway. Seeing no one around, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. She quickly stepped into the hallway, than pulled the door closed behind her. She took a couple of steps, then turned back and stood still for a moment more, committing the sight of her home to memory and then turned and hurried off.
Moments later, Zesstra headed up a small cavern which was unused by most elves this time of day, for most were in training, or at their guard stations. She stopped again, just long enough to take a glimpse at her and Kylendel's secret meeting place. At that point she wiped a tear from her eye and hurried off.
Minutes passed like hours, as Zesstra worked her way up the dark, twisted, and intermingled passageways towards the surface world. She hastily hid in the shadows whenever she heard voices, or felt the presence of others. Zesstra knew there was no turning back now.
She paid little or no attention to the small caves and circular houses of the slaves as she carefully avoided the traps, and falling walls, which forced all intruders towards the center of town.
Finally she reached a small opening and stuck her head out. As the fresh air encircled her face, she took a deep breath and whispered over her shoulder. "My beloved son, Kylendel, be safe and well, I love you!"
Firmly, she placed her hands on the rim and pulled herself up and out. Determination rushed through her as she stood up straight and squared her shoulders. Seconds later she skillfully headed off into the woods with the swiftness of a deer.
A day and a half later Zesstra reached Khawanna's campsite, and tentatively strolled into camp. Surprised by the lack of suspicion upon her arrival, nibbling on a strand of her long black hair Zesstra glanced about nervously. Scrupulously she inched further into camp and a serene feeling filled her as she noticed the contentment on the followers’ faces. Zesstra walked over to a sitting woman with a white-laced veil pulled down over her face, stopped and quietly said, "Can you direct me to the Goddess Khawanna?"
The woman, recognizing she was Dusk elf by the slight variance of language slowly pulled the veil away from her face and smiled. In a single smooth movement the woman was standing and her voice was melodic as she answered. "Please, come this way."
Zesstra followed the woman to a large tent. They stopped just outside the tent flap, and the woman motioned towards the closed tent flap and said, "You will find her in there."
Before Zesstra could say a word the woman left. An apprehensive feeling swept over Zesstra as she pulled the flap open and entered. Her eyes became huge and round as her mouth fell open in amazement at the beautiful tapestries of woodland scenes hanging about. At that point her breath became harsh as her eyes focused on the various colors and sizes of jewels that were just lying about unattended. She knew for certain now that she was not like all the rest of her kind, for she did not even think to pick the jewels up and run, or have an urge to. The sound of the tent flap as it closed, caught her attention and she glanced quickly to the right.
Zesstra's eyes quickly took in the flawless skin, large dark enticing almond shaped eyes, rosy cheeks, and hour glass shape of the Goddess Khawanna, as she stood tall and proud in a full length, bright purple, flowing silk gown. The corners of her lips turned up slightly as she said. "You have come a long way. How might I help you?"
Zesstra was surprised at how sweet her voice touched her ears, yet she responded swiftly,
“I have come to learn your ways.”
Khawanna’s breasts rose slightly while she cocked her head to one side, and then exhaled. “Are you willing to prove your heart is true?” she asked.
Zesstra’s eyes twinkled as she said, “Oh yes, just tell me what you would have me do, and it will be so.” The serenity in her voice rang loud and clear.
Khawanna smiled then said, “Then you must listen carefully, so you will understand the importance of what I say. Elves, dwarfs, humans etc. had agreed not to use the powerful Dragon Stone after the last war between the races and it was put in the care of the wisest of the clerics. Yet now after all these years the clerics want to study it. That would not be a smart move, so it must be put in a place where no single race can find and use it. So, this is the task I set forth for you, Zesstra. You must retrieve the Dragon Stone and hide it in a safe place.” After saying this Khawanna studied Zesstra’s movement and facial features carefully for any kind of reaction.
Zesstra stood steadfast as she thought long and hard for over a half hour, then slowly a smile came to her face. She lowered her eyes, cleared her throat and began to tell Khawanna of her plans.
Khawanna listened intently and patiently to all she had to say.
After quite some time Zesstra finished with, “But in order to pull it off, I will need special powers only you can give me. Will you trust in me?”
Khawanna listened to the sincerity in Zesstra's voice and realized all that she was willing to give up to do this. Her eyes beamed with pride. Without a word she raised her sword high above her head. As a brilliant array of silver and purple light encircled it, she brought it down swiftly in a half circle, tapping Zesstra’s shoulder with it. The sword, not harming Zesstra, caused the silver and purple sparkling light to engulf her. As the colors danced and flashed about her, Zesstra felt a power surge through her unlike any she had ever known. It was an indescribable feeling of pain and extreme pleasure bombarding her spine at the same time. After the colors vanished, Khawanna stared deep into Zesstra's eyes, and calmly said, "The gift you requested is now yours, but remember, it cannot be used for evil, or it will consume you. Now go with all speed. Retrieve and hide the Dragon Stone, where no one can find it. Good luck."
Feeling a bit dizzy, Zesstra closed her eyes, and was inhaling deeply when all at once she heard the familiar sound of tent flaps. She opened her eyes, only to see the Goddess slowly disappear into nothingness. Her eyes quickly searched the room. They stopped promptly, when the young woman who had led her there stepped into the tent.
Zesstra headed towards the woman, but stopped dead in her tracks, as she heard, "Be extra careful and do not take unnecessary chances. For your own people, are now against you as well."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Zesstra slipped passed the woman and left the tent.
Moments later, she stealthily headed off into the woods to find and retrieve the Dragon Stone. Zesstra maneuvered herself about the trees and brush like a cat, making sure not to disturb any plants as she walked. Thoughts filled her head about the crystal. She tried to recall all she knew and all she had heard. ‘The Dragon Stone was a large red crystal, of the purest quartz. It was said to have been dug from the deepest of the Dwarf mines. It had been blessed by the God of Death and hidden away in the High Clerics tower, in the city of Ravens Dale for at least three hundred years. Yet lately the new High Clerics have been trying to use it for their own study and gain. Many bloody battles were fought and innumerable lives had been lost over the ownership of that crimson crystal. The Dwarves claimed that since they were the ones who found it, that it belonged solely to them and they should rightfully keep it. The Surface Elves and Humans claimed that since it was blessed by an evil God, the consort of Yolesstra, that it should be locked in the High Clerics tower in Ravens Dale, to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, or causing any more conflicts between races. Yet, we had not cared about the claims or reasoning of the other races. We felt that since Tywolfen, the consort of our Goddess Yolesstra, had blessed the Dragon Stone, as it had come to be known, that we were the legitimate owners.’ With that thought, a shudder raced through her. Zesstra shook her head in disbelief. “No! My people shall not have it either.” She whispered defiantly.
At the same time she formed a picture of the crystal in her mind, and continued to think. ‘The Council against the wishes of some of the other races sent the crystal to the High Clerics tower, where it was kept under lock and key until lately, when a new council was assigned. It has been there for a hundreds of years. Now I, Zesstra, Matron Mother of the house of Demsek, will have sole knowledge of the whereabouts of the Dragon Stone. That way no one will be able to use it for any reason.’
Zesstra kept up a steady pace for quite some time. Unexpectedly she heard running water, and moved towards it. She stopped abruptly and inhaled deeply, as her eyes opened wide at the sight of white stream falling over a nearby cliff, splashing down rapidly into a crystal blue pool, causing a beautiful rainbow to linger above it. A soft breeze touched her and all at once she was filled with delight in this fern-fringed setting. She moved to the nearest bush, sat down, and took in the magnificence of it all. She leaned back on one hand; to enjoy the peace and quiet on this smooth stretch of sun dappled water. Directly to the left she heard a gurgling stream, which added its almost mute voice to the beautiful surroundings. Zesstra laid down to get an even better look at the falls. She watched as the stream changed from the horizontal plane to the vertical, in awe. The transformation was spectacular and hypnotizing and she thought. ‘I will get the Dragon Stone and place it in the room Yolesstra has chained and locked. No one is allowed in there. It will be safe, for no one would ever think to look for it in there.’ The gentle sound of the river soon had Zesstra sound asleep.



Meanwhile, back in Faneadar, the Goddess Yolesstra carefully covered up Zesstra’s disappearance. Outraged, Yolesstra sent out orders for the two most powerful nobles from each house to appear before her.
Shortly thirty nobles stood before her silently, yet in wonderment. Yolesstra lifted her left arm and made a sweeping movement over their heads. Orange and green lightning bolts suddenly shot out of her fingertips and without warning struck each one of them. As the lightning bolts hit the nobles, they screamed out in pain.
A smile formed on Yolesstra’s face as they fell to the floor, and blood-chilling screams filled the air. The transformation into demons started with their body muscles rippling and stretching, then they began to rip apart. Scales popped up all over their bodies. Their chests began to fester and burst open. Faces were distorted and mangled with green slime oozing out of their mouths, as jagged teeth pushed out the old and fell into place. Eyes were shriveling up, sinking deep within the skulls, while horns ripped through the top of their heads, causing streams of black blood to flow down their cheeks. The bodies continued to flop around, twisting and turning brutally as they took on their new shapes. After a short time the nobles got up and a shocked horror filled the room. Yolesstra stared at them in a way that caused their blood to run cold, then said, "If any of you tell or even repeat what I am about to say, your entire family will be transformed and then put to a slow and painful death. Do you understand me?"
Then as they mumbled their compliance, she ordered them to search everywhere, even the surface world, for Zesstra. Yolesstra's orders were clear, bring back proof of Zesstra's death or do not come back. None of the nobles dared to ask why Yolesstra wanted her dead, they just turned and filed out, mumbling to themselves.
As months passed, Kylendel began to wonder more about Zesstra's abrupt disappearance. He sought audience with Yolesstra and made inquires. At that time he was told that she would not be coming back, and that news just came in that she had died. Memorial services were to be held for her with highest honors, for it was said she had died in battle.
Kylendel just could not believe that Zesstra had died, so he continued to try to get at the truth. He confronted his mother and father, yet they refused to say anything other than what Yolesstra had said, except for Zesstra was a proud woman and loved him deeply.
As months turned into years Kylendel grew in strength and wisdom. Even though his father and mother were good to him, he missed the teachings and closeness he got from Zesstra. Memories of her and their friendship were always on his mind.
The older he got, the unhappier he became, and he even refused to study any more. Then one day, as he sat in his small but adequate room, thoughts of his life and true feelings flooded in.