“After the Darkening, religion as it had been known no longer existed. Yes, the people gave homage to the Gods and called upon them in their need, but the only true religion had been the Maiden’s and that was based upon preserving the World Walker’s Seals. Once the Nightbringer broke free and She fled Sangrar, there was no need.” Jerilyn of Colcester
“It’s all starting to blur, Tarik. Which age are we living in now? I can’t keep it straight any more. The Darkening, the Rekindling, the Reckoning, the Cataclysm, the Long Night – they’re all the same to me. I can’t even remember which memories are truly mine and which are Kandol’s. I don’t know if I’ll be able to finish the Tale of Ages, the Herald’s curse may swallow me first.” Jerilyn of Colcester
“Yes, Tarik, it is clear now, though it wasn’t then. It’s much easier with hindsight, isn’t it? The seed took root long before, when Ataryl took up his birthright, and then it lay dormant, germinating for centuries before flowering into a blossom of shadow. ” Jerilyn of Colcester
I hurried to the pot of stew hanging over the fire and gave it a good stir as Tarik was due to arrive any minute. I’d tried the venison again using Zerina’s recipe, though this time I’d added more salt and a cup of red Highland wine.
“The Highlands are known for their reds. The slopes of Dragonback Ridge are elevated and the climate just right. I once tasted a vintage from Bellfleur vineyard bottled the year Varzin Albaster came to Renk that was not to be believed. Smooth and smoky, it lingered on the tongue. But, if you prefer whites, then I’d recommend something from Danfarthing.” Jerilyn of Colcester
“Back then, the Sangritharian Empire stretched from the western shores of Fanar to the Andurant River in the south and the Steppes of the Humadin to the north. The kingdoms of Sidona and Ambisant came later, after the Pearl Throne toppled. Cormane, Tanylcar and Umbari were all outlying provinces in the west, where little imperial gold was spent. The people had no great love for the God-Emperor and were ripe for rebellion. ” Jerilyn of Colcester
Well, it turns out that wizards can hold a grudge. Tarik didn’t visit me the next week, or the week after that or the week after that. A full month passed before I saw his familiar form trudging down the streets of Arvon. After all those no-shows, I hadn’t prepared one of my so-called feasts and could only offer a loaf of crusty bread and a hunk of cheese.
“Today, it’s easy to see, but back then it wasn’t. He concealed his true self in shadow, hiding his black heart behind a fair mien.” Jerilyn of Colcester
“Darmyn the Righteous was a throwback to the golden age of Sangrithar, when the God-Emperors ruled free of the curse. The son of Tormyn Blackheart and grandson of the Dreamer, Darmyn fought against the madness lapping him like a pup starved for affection every day of his glorious reign. His legions defended the weak, his coffers fed the poor, his temples celebrated every god and through his good works, he cleansed Sangrithar’s honor of his father’s stains. The circumstances of his death were sudden and never made public, though most believe he fell at the hand of his son, Tardyn the Slayer.” Jerilyn of Colcester
“After leaving the Mountain of Clouds, I journeyed to the Northern Steppes to meet the Humadin. Kandol had piqued my curiosity. For a while, I fell in with the Eselkaru, the eagle clan, and lived on the platforms built into the branches of the spruces common to the western steppes. They were experts with the javelin and the malkanta, a broad-bladed sword. Their Bardalla, a man named Jendallu, had a gift for putting people at ease. He always seemed to know just what they wanted. The Eselkaru said that he was strong in the ways of the Spirit World.” Jerilyn of Colcester