It is the eve of Hostenfest and effigies of the Earth King fill the streets. In this festive season, the young Runelord, Prince Gaborn Val Orden, has come seeking the alliance of marriage that will safeguard his people’s future.
Far to the south – but not far enough - Raj Ahten, the Wolf Lord of Indhopal, moves through the land, his army destroying anything and anyone in his path. From the conquered he takes prizes, stealing their strength, their endurance, their wisdom, their most potent attributes. The Wolf Lord seems destined to bring all of humanity under his rule. Unless, after 2000 years, the Earth King should rise again...
1: It Begins In Darkness
Effigies of the Earth King festooned the city around Castle Sylvarresta. Everywhere the effigies could be seen – hanging beneath shopwindows, standing upright against the walls of the city gates, or nailed beside doorways – stationed any place where the Earth King might find ingress into a home.
Many of the figures were crude things crafted by children – a few reeds twisted into the form of a man, often with a crown of oak leaves in its hair. But outside the doors of shops and taverns were more ornate figures of wood, the full size of a man, often elaborately painted and coiffed in fine green wool traveling robes.
In those days, it was said that on Hostenfest Eve the spirit of the earth would fill the effigies and the Earth King would waken. At his wakening, he would protect the family for another season and help bear the harvest home.
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