The Tarsius of Amriath.

Volume The First.

A Shining Land.

A Novel by

David Mace.

"The Eternal Watchtower." The Mighty, on-going, Punitive War fought between The Forces of The Light and The Forces of The Darkness for the sum of the whole of Creation.

The Prologue.

Once, long ago; in an Age now lost in the mists of forgetfulness, when the world was young; there lay a land deep in the west, far beyond the golden sunset. In The Age of The Beginnings... long before the dawning of the Age of Man, this was the land of The Algethi; a society of tall, fair, and graceful creatures created in the image of The High Goddess Elaiana… "She, who is the Wellspring of All Being." This land was called Amriath. The Algethi also called this place "The Shining Land."

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Amriath was a peaceful, and bounteous land of wide grassy plains, golden meadows, and deep green forests. A land where all lived together in common accord and harmony... until the Dark ones came from out of the East.

This then, is The Matter of Amriath. It may be the stuff of dreaming, but it may also be the stuff of nightmares. For this is no tale of whimsical imagination. This is the tale that is told around the hearth fires. This is the tale from which the Minstrels weave their songs. This is the tale of those who dared to raise a defiant fist in the face of the seemingly overwhelming Evil that threatened to engulf them; tearing down all that they held as sacred, and undeniable truths... such truths that their Creator gifted to all. Truths that laid down that they might enjoy freedom from the yokes of tyranny, oppression, and persecution; that they might pursue the fruits of their existence unmolested. That they might embrace such Deities as they would choose, without let 'nor hindrance. That all were created equal, and if, by accident of birth, one was deemed more equal than the other; that one would not revile the standing of the other. Thus, harmony and accord were settled upon the land, enjoyed as a right, by all. This was why The Shining Land was so called.

This was why, when came the hour of their doom; the Forces of The Light... this last Bright, Shining Flower of the West, stood defying the Great Darkling Horde that came from out of the east, intent on tearing asunder all that was held as good and true... resolved to plunge all into the next Age of Darkness. This was why Nine Guardians of The Light, and a Wraith-Hunter warrior maid; although, so far outnumbered in warrior and sword; would not go down meekly, and quietly into the Darkness. This was why they would wager all, without question; to preserve such truths... no matter the odds arrayed against them.

This was why the Realms and Kingdoms rose together, casting aside such petty differences they held, each to the other; and united, fought as one for their right to live.