Pillars of Age

Resonance of the Ancient

RIVAR

Rivar's breath came in ragged gasps as he staggered into the heart of Parsha, a city of twisting alleyways and ancient stone archways. Fleeing the lagoon, he had fought his way through a chaotic throng at the city gates, the sounds of traders and townsfolk now replaced by an eerie silence. The bustling energy of the city center had vanished, leaving only the whisper of the wind through deserted streets and the distant murmur of waves.

Approaching the Forest Elf delegation building, Rivar found Gaelin and Tarvih, their eyes fixed on the Wall of Light over the ocean.

"Mekha Temae An, Arvan Gaelin?" Tarvih's voice cut through the silence, tinged with a sharp urgency.

"Mi nae tiadae ei..." Gaelin's reply was a strained whisper, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the Wall of Light loomed ominously.

Rivar, his grasp of the Forest Elf language rudimentary but sufficient, stepped forward hesitantly. "Master Gaelin..." he called, his voice trembling with the weight of the unknown.

Gaelin turned, managing a strained smile. "Rivar. This sight is... something else, isn't it?"

"Yes, master. Have you ever seen anything like this?"

Gaelin's smile vanished as he stared at the sea. "No, Rivar... Never," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Mikae taemae mahtevaus vala tulei, nain akhia..."

"You didn't see the light rise?" Rivar asked, confusion knitting his brow.

Gaelin turned sharply. "How do you...?"

"He understands some of our language," Tarvih interjected. "No, we didn't see it. It appeared while we were inside."

Gaelin stepped closer, his composure cracking. "What do you mean by rise, Rivar? Did you see it happen?"

Rivar nodded. "Tell us everything," Gaelin demanded, urgency sharpening his tone.

Rivar took a steadying breath, recalling the majestic and eerie scene. "I left the city walls when the celebration music started and made my way to the lagoon. As soon as I arrived, a voice echoed from the sea, chanting 'vham nasbara thaka nasbara' repeatedly." He paused, his eyes dark with the memory. "Then, from the southwest, a radiant light surged from the sea and climbed into the sky."

"The light unfurled across the sky like a celestial tapestry, casting an otherworldly glow over the western horizon in radiant hues of auburn and purple. Then, a voice resonated, powerful and commanding, proclaiming, 'gharii nasbara!'"

Gaelin and Tarvih fell silent, absorbing Rivar's account. The weight of his words hung in the air, leaving them speechless for a long while.

---

"Master Gaelin," a voice echoed through the square.

An old man in rich silk robes approached, flanked by city council members and guards. "Lord Yunnas. Wait!" several followers called after him.

Rivar observed Yunnas, noting the stark contrast between his opulent attire and the fear etched on his face. Despite his exhaustion, Yunnas' eyes remained sharp and piercing, revealing a keen intelligence.

"Have you any knowledge of this light?" Yunnas' voice quivered; his fear palpable. Gaelin remained silent, his gaze locked on the glowing horizon, thoughts concealed behind a stoic facade.

"Will it bring the end of us all?" Yunnas pressed, his voice trembling.

Gaelin remained silent.

"Gaelin!" Yunnas half-shouted, desperate for any answer.