The 'Dream'
Pre-Gathering 1096 AF.
By Elbrath Damont of the Hawkeshead Archers.
As Incantor Guild Representative to the Harts, I have attempted to put together an account of part of what seems to be a single dream sequence. This has been experienced by many, yet not by all and not completely by one. Included are a number of references to rumours and stories that may have some bearing upon what follows. It is not complete and will obviously contain inaccuracies and points of contention. Missing sections and alternative conjectures would be useful and appreciated by Elbrath cm4061@scitsc.wlv.ac.uk I thank all those who have already contributed and those that will.
It seems that the Dream starts with an initial vision. "A battle field with two opposing hills separated by a large valley. Each support a mighty Fortress of many walls and towers reaching beyond the distance of the eye."
"The closed gates of one Fortress are guarded by six Knights clad all in white. [All dreamers of this part stated they stood in front of this Fortress.] In front of these Knights stands a mighty host ready for battle. The Younger Races sided by Elder Races all clad in armour of silver and blue."
[The Knights are considered to be wielders of the Swords of Weyland. A number of people have had dreams in which they are told to sew and follow banners of blue! It has been suggested that this indicated that ALL Factions, Races and Tribes must come together in order to defeat a common Enemy. However 'watching for a brother who will slay you' indicates that there will be those amongst our midst who will turn when least expected.]
"The Closed gates of the Fortress opposite are guarded in turn by six Knights clad all in black. Before them stands a horde of men and beasts clad in black and red armour sporting the claw symbol upon their shields."
[The Black Knights are undoubtedly the Chaos Warriors. Origin of the claw symbol is unknown. It has been said that the King of Teutonia, now aided by Ogres, is once again having problems with Beastkin led by King Frederick Kreuger after 'vengeance.' With a claw symbol upon their shields.]
"Suddenly the call of a mighty Trumpet, so clear and pure, fills the air. Behind me the gates of the mighty Fortress open and two figures step forth. One is a Lady [known to be Lady Karlennon] dressed in a gown of the finest cloth. The other is a man in armour of purest silver [reported to be the Pendragon himself.] As the two figures leave the Fortress gates, they are joined by the six Knights and together they turn to face the observer."
Another has reported seeing "A number of the faces within the battle ready troops turn to face an Incantor."
[Although the observer believed it to have been himself, I would suggest that the Incantor seen standing on the field is the embodiment of all Incantors rather than an individual. This indicates that the Incantors must be prepared to play a significant role in forthcoming events.]
The Final part seems "to take place some time after this battle." A number have "stood beside an ancient city long turned to rubble."
[Is this city one of the two mentioned in the first 'Chapter' or is this in fact the ancient City of the Incantors, Caer Danon.]
"He is standing outside the City of the Incantors that is in ruins. As he gazes over the rubble Schadel turns to him and says 'It's your fault, you could have destroyed the Vampires when you had the chance.' Before the city walls are four graves. An arrow, an axe, a flame of gentle warming light and tears of ancient grief lie one after the other above each grave. These are the graves of four heroes who wielded the only four weapons capable of stopping the disruption in the centre of the 'world-pattern.'
[It is apparently also related to the Ritual concerning summoning the Pendragon and currently under further investigation by others. It seems though that members of the Tarantula Faction have seen six graves. Perhaps they are able to see what others are unable or even these are extra losses being theirs and theirs alone!]
"All about thunders crash and roar with a wind that pulls and tugs. South the sky is dark and stormy. East and West rages a terrible storm with Darkness at its heart. The black clouds creep closer swallowing the land in shadow and darkness. From the North comes the evil storm. All is lost and gone save one light burning clear and proud at the edge of the storm. On a black stone bridge over a river of blood flies a Standard, as blue as the morning sky, held by just a handful of men guarding against the approaching darkness."
[It speaks of forthcoming despair and suffering. Yet hope is as always, standing strong and bright as a beacon for those around.]
"Upon the field of the final battle where all else are dead, an alliance between Ogre, Beastman and Viper is formed. An alliance forged for all time."
[Are these the handful of men that are to be the Last Guard against the approaching darkness?]
A more general conclusion, that has also been dreamt, is a little more taxing:
"The ruins of an ancient city lay for many miles in all directions. Two mighty armies fought here and died. None remain save four heroes outside the city and one within. One by one the four came forth and are slain leaving just the one. Tall and dark he stands alone in a world destroyed by war. The city crumbles to dust and the mountains turn to rubble. The lakes become oceans and the rivers run dry and vanish. Hills rise into mountains and the face of the world changes. The elements swirl and mix, spewing life once more onto the face of the world."
"The Lios Alfar [Elven Folk] walk within the woods and vales. The first of the Demrak [Dwarven Folk] carve the great halls beneath the mountains. Great peaks rise and mighty cities are built and rebuilt. Then once more to the face of the world comes the armies of Law and Chaos, to the East comes the armies of good and evil. To the North comes the power of light and to the South comes darkness. Between them all hold the balance and thus our world is formed."
[Is it then that time itself is looped or merely that the Process of the Universe is cyclic?]
"Once the path has been trodden Ye may never turn back" - Mentor
