To the goddess Miranda, mighty and powerful
dweller in Sunrifter, strong Storm-goddess,
I raise this prayer, praising your mercy
and your swift justice, suddenly striking
the loud distressing disturber of tales
told by Broadskull, best-beloved.
Thanks we give to you, gracious Miranda,
blessing-bestower, bright star of Valorn.


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THE QUEEN'S QUEST


In wary whispers the word is spoken,
by secret scroll, sworn to silence.
The Knights of Iron answer the summons.
At the dark tree, that dread portal,
adventurers gather to guard the first
of the realm's treasures, the royal lady:
Valorn's High Queen ventures to N'rolav.

Beside the tree, at the sinister gate,
Korrith keeps watch, keen-eyed cleric,
softly playing a song of foreboding.
Sreip stands by him, sharp-bladed Knight;
they warn the unwary away from N'rolav.

The first to scout is Starling Lackland,
shy and silent, shadow-beloved.
Stealthy Valina stalks unseen;
Hojo Musachi strides beside them.
Urkki the healer, the hermit-cleric,
guards the High Queen with grim visage.

To dark Dundee they draw nearer,
seeking the lair of the lost Mayor
cursed by the gods, the crystal-bearer.
The Queen of Valorn, valiant warrior,
hews the horrors haunting the ruins
and gains reward, wearing proudly
the Aegis Crystal, ancient protection.

But Balthazar senses, baneful Demon-Lord,
the Sword of Valorn. Its strong presence
that foul one feels as flyting and scorn.
Rising in wrath, he rallies his demons
and calls on chaos-born creatures of evil
to wreak his vengeance on Valorn's cities.

Little he reckons, lacking knowledge,
of the Queen's forethought, far-sighted ruler.
Knowing his malice, she makes her plans
and sends her heroes swiftly outward
to the ends of Valorn, to every city.

To beautiful Branishor, blessed by Cory,
Purazon goes, proud Iron-bearer.
High-walled Caernivale is held by Thorin,
Dainty by name, but deadly in battle.
Yulan Marlboro meets with the foe
at Dundee's gates. Grinning, he slays
the threatening hordes with thrusting sword.

The streets of Milltown mighty Skylsganin
fiercely defends; his foes learn well
their fatal misfortune to face him in battle.
Fartown is held by Hojo Musachi.
In the royal castle of Caer Laleldan
stands Viktor Blackheart, vowed protector,
and Korba waits there, warrior-cleric
with blinding blade, Bearer of Light.

A tale of triumph they tell the Queen.
Hear the words of the heroes returning:
the cities stand, still unconquered.
Cordelia praises the people of Valorn
for their strong fight, and the foe-vanquishers
hail their Queen on her high throne,
dauntless daughter of Deek the Powerful.
Upon her armor the Aegis Crystal
shines most brightly, beacon of victory
over dark N'rolav and the Demon-Lord
whose evil failed, defeated by Valorn.


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KURIC'S LULLABY


Sleep, hero, sleep.
Valorn's people weep,
unashamed their sorrow show;
such a loss brings endless woe:
sleep, hero, sleep.

Sleep, hero, sleep.
Every tower and keep
you defended with your power
mourns your passing in this hour:
sleep, hero, sleep.

Sleep, hero, sleep.
Rest in slumber deep,
through your last and longest night,
till you wake in Cory's light:
sleep, hero, sleep.



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