Tyrrany of Struggle (Part 1)

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Though many scholars scoff at myths as tales of imagination, there is one piece of lore that has puzzled as well as intrigued the academic world. In every civilization, transversing kind and culture, a similar tale can be found of a race born of shadow and darkness, which possessed unparalleled power that both awed and terrified all. Some myths describe this power to be an irresistible allure, while others speak of their presence taking away a man's free will.

In these myths, they dominate the known world, until their absolute tyranny compelled disparate peoples to set aside their differences and unite against this looming threat. This grand alliance joined forces and reshaped the very landscape. Carving mountains from the earth which became the colossal prison which confined these monsters and safeguarded the world from their reign of darkness.

While their existence remains uncertain, the convergence of these strikingly similar legends across distant cultures has ignited the debate on whether these powerful beings once walked our realm.

Among those who believe so, it has been proposed that this prison still exists in the form of the Mountain Range surrounding the area called Diaden by the peoples of Fireste. There is some appeal to this theory as none have been able to transverse these mountains and lived to tell the tale. A surprising fact as even the Range of the Gods has been conquered by men.

~ The History and Peoples of Magic by Sir Rainaldus Gale

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Lidea had forgotten how busy the midsummer festival got. Although it was early day, the streets were already packed with people strolling from one market stand to another. Shopkeepers cried out to every passer-by offering anything under the sun that could be sold. Ever since King Silvanus first created the channel that connected the eastern and western oceans, Lynoës had turned into an attractive destination for merchants from all over Asmeon, but it was especially true during these three weeks.

Surprisingly the growing power of the Pleberien church didn't seem to impact the market's grandness, though she suspected any wares of the northern countries to be absent. Elvish fabrics or jewels from the mines in Zylcrah or Ishtar would be seen as tainted by the magic used to produce them.

It was a pity, but at least the city was more lively than it had been in months. Watching from her vantage point in the bay window, she could almost imagine herself to have returned in time, before the ban of magic and the death of her father. The thought filled her with melancholy and she tried to distract herself by finding her men in the crowd below.

Lidea couldn't immediately find them, contenting her that they had listened to her admonishment about not grouping together. It was probably an unnecessary precaution, but it was better to be careful. A big group of trained men together might draw suspicion and she would rather avoid any unwanted attention.

Finally, she found Cedric standing with Firon and Taylor near the fighting ring. His second round was about to start and based on his easy stance, Lidea was convinced he was feeling far too smug after winning his first fight in one move. She wished she had a better view of what happened. From where she was standing, it looked as if he had simply moved forward and caused his opponent to fall and not get up. Whatever he had done, must have been impressive as loud cheering had risen from the audience.

Still winning one fight was no excuse to start feeling overconfident. If she had been able to stand with them, she would have made sure to remind him of that. However, it was too big of a risk considering the city guard was still looking for a woman with a half-burned face. No doubt due to their actions in the Northern Quarter.

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