This fragment is another selection from among the tales of the fictional realm of Sốlvân'ấrâ, whose prologue is recorded in the historical annal, "Of Gods and Kings: Prologue" (see hub by same title). It alludes, again, to legends of the early ages of the world in its unchanged state. This short entry represents a leaf or two from an ancient tome, which tells various otherwise unknown histories of various lands and peoples of the realms, as written by sages and prophets through time, and collected, over centuries, in a thick volume whence comes such words as are found herein. Watch my posts for more tellings from these books, if you like this one. Thanks for reading!

In the sixth year of the reign of Ûldrægôn, fifth king of the once-mighty realm of Âldória, the long-untold story was read from the tattered pages of The Book of Forsaken Legends, unearthed during the excavation of the Glittermoon expedition, from the ancient jewel mines under the ruins of the great city of Mýthandấr, buried ages before, in the last days of the Crown Kingdom, the One Ruling.

Its meaning has ever remained unknown since its finding, and deciphering the mystery enrolled among its runes yet eludes the wisest prophets and sages of history, who have sought it out; for, its scripture is but a fragment of its once-whole. It answers an enduring inquiry of forgotten age – yet, the question is not known, for the brittle scroll upon which it was written is crumbled to dust of many centuries past, or was torn from its tome by another who discovered it before. Thus reads what remains of the archaic inscription:

'...stood silent before them; until, at length, another spoke, on the third day of the First Council. All stared at him in disbelief, captivated by his words. Said the wise sage, Áshkhannâr, of Ấzhâkhmar:

“There was One... once – long ago... but it has been an age thence, since he was seen among mortal men. His passing came in the time when the Spirit Lords were still strong, and their Masters mighty rulers over the Öðé, before the coming of the Demonlords. In those days, good yet prevailed sovereign over the peoples of all the world, and the kingdoms of men were just, their lands beautiful. In the Elder Ancients, the realms of mortals were few, and harmony prevailed between them, and so they prospered. Upon them came then the new gods to enslave Sốlvân'ấrâ, as before, feigning the guise of the Lords of old, over the Imprisoned dominion of Ândốræ – but, of these, the thieves of this young domain were mere avatars, once-servants of those truly powerful in the heavens, vanquished millennia ago by One Who Was – a man, become divine, great above many.

When brilliant shone the unveiled sun upon the fair viridian face of the vernal world, then did its many cities and noble kings perceive full-well what was the supernal glory of the One who had fashioned its myriad wonders, unto their blessing; and they were, all of them, pleased, and in awe of His majesty, and revered Him.”

And when he had thus spoken, he departed the Council chambers without a word more. Many were murmuring among them, until one arose, enraged against him; and, as he who had spoken was leaving, uttered the one who stood that unforgettable dark foretelling, confounding every...'

~ The Book of Forsaken Legends