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Nyomae opened her eyes and blinked in the light streaming into the Archon’s quarters. Elodi and Toryn dared to breathe as Nyomae gathered her senses. They had waited two long weeks for her to recover from the encounter with Uluriel. And during that time, Elodi’s impatience had grown, frustrated by the lack of urgency from Lord Kernlow and his new Council. She hoped Nyomae’s return, and with it, her insight, would force Kernlow to act.

Nyomae shielded her eyes from the light. ‘In my deep sleep, I came across Idraman’s Verse of the last days of the Seven Realms. That is how events truly unfolded on the Gormadon Plain on that darkest of days. But as you have come to learn, the said plain was not in the south. Instead, it is where the Foranfae now flourishes, seeded by the Nym to cleanse the ruined land following my... intervention.’ She collapsed back into her chair, exhausted by her recollection.

Toryn looked down at his clasped hands. ‘I saw our forces advance. In the Foranfae. The night we spent trapped in the Nym’s circle.’ His voice faltered. ‘I heard the call of their horns. I saw knights from the old realms, so tall, so strong.’ He turned to Elodi. ‘The horses screamed. The knights cried out. So terrible to hear. And they died, they all died. Lightning flashed across the sky… and then silence.’

Nyomae met Toryn’s gaze. ‘I had no choice. The enemy possessed those fine soldiers as they fell. Idraman took a great risk. He called upon the earliest known Verses to give me his strength, also putting my existence in jeopardy. But as he saw it, and I agree, there was no other means to save the day. With the knowledge gained, he invoked my Maidens’ Name, the name given to me by the Three.’

Elodi glanced at Toryn. ‘I do not know of this Maidens’ Name? Do we all possess one?’

‘Every living being created by them has one. But it is most sacred. Few will know their true name. I do not know my own. As all appeared lost, Idraman entered my First Verse, the one that brought me into this world. It is our belief that the name of every creature yet to be born was assigned at the beginning of time. When Idraman cried out mine, it opened the way for me to unite momentarily with…’ a tear rolled down her cheek, ‘the Maidens’ voices that proclaimed my right to life as they sang the Song of Creation.’

Toryn’s face tingled. ‘And would they have spoken mine and Elodi’s true names?’

‘Indeed, thus enabling your inclusion in the myriad of the Verses to follow.’

Elodi’s eyes glistened. ‘Yet this name is not made known to us?’

‘For good reason. To cite it opens the path back to the earliest of Verses. Draegelan feared it could also be heard by those who wished us harm. If used in conjunction with lines from the Dark Verses, our name could be removed, thus casting us into the Great Void outside of time. Few have the strength to invoke a Maidens’ Name. It would have taken Idraman decades to recover. He may yet be weak all these years later.’

Toryn took her hand. ‘And it was this that saved the day?’

Nyomae let out a long sigh. ‘At great cost. When Idraman spoke my name, it allowed me to reach further back into the Song than any of my Order, save Draegelan. In a way, Uluriel allowed this to happen. She had ventured deep to bring the Draedalak to the battlefield, opening Verses previously beyond our grasp. But as I sought the means to cast back the demons to their own time’ — her voice wavered — ‘I stumbled upon the Verse of Unmaking. Whether another unknown presence in the Song led me there, I cannot tell. But as all fell about me in the face of unspeakable terror, I saw no other way open to me. With the combined strength of Idraman and Toryn’s father, Finromir, flowing through me’ — her head dropped into her hands — ‘I uttered those dreaded words.’

Toryn put his arm around her trembling shoulders. ‘Surely, the enemy would have been victorious had you done nothing.’

Nyomae looked up. ‘While my action unmade the bulk of Uluriel’s army, those not of our time such as the Draedalak, shreeks and other unworldly creatures, were expelled but not eradicated. They yet exist, able to fight another day once the Ul-dalak have the strength to recall them. And sadly, I believe that day may come all too soon. From your account of the first attack on Calerdorn, Elodi, we know they already conjure apparitions of these foul beasts, and that alone requires tremendous power. But the Ul-dalak will not be content with mere illusions. Our struggle with Uluriel at the Caerwal Tower proves her confidence grows. And I suspect once she recovers from her expulsion from the Archon, she will have the ability to summon the Draedalak possibly within the year.’

Elodi gasped. ‘Kernlow must be made aware of this. He is too hesitant, and his indecision and lack of action will cost us dear.’ She glanced to the doorway. ‘And what of the Golesh? Do they hold the south?’

Nyomae shook her head. ‘A falsehood. When I entered Mordram’s mind in the tower, it helped me recover much of my memory. And I found neither he nor I had any recollection of the Golesh.’

Toryn gaped. ‘They don’t exist?’ He looked at Elodi. ‘But since childhood we’ve been taught to fear them.’

Nyomae shrugged. ‘The Golesh are purely an invention, created and maintained by Uluriel through the Archon and the whispers of the Ul-dalak. But it is a powerful lie. I suspect the archives have been amended, and the rumors will have spread both quickly, and far and wide among a people fearful of their own shadows. Remember, famine and disease followed on the heels of the devastating losses of the conflict. All who fought at Gormadon either perished, or like me, lost their minds. People in a state of despair are people who can be made to believe in anything.’

Toryn frowned. ‘I find it hard to believe the Golesh are not real.’

Nyomae slowly rose from her chair. ‘And that is what the Ul-dalak wishes you to believe. A convincing tale told often will soon take on the guise of truth. And of course, Uluriel knew those living in fear and despair are easily led.’ She turned to face the door and appeared to take comfort from the mountains turning orange in the setting sun. ‘The deceit served its purpose well, perhaps far better than Uluriel could have anticipated. It kept the strength of the old realms secured beyond the mountains while our enemy sought to recover from the last battle and gain control of the north. Like us, they suffered huge losses in the last moments of the battle. But they appear to recover faster than we do.'

Toryn eyed the charts on the wall. ‘It’s as if the map of the realms has been turned upside down. The threat comes from the north, not the south.’

Nyomae turned. ‘I’m afraid it is as you say. We are on the wrong side of the gate.’

Toryn scratched his head. ‘So, the blue haze above the gate is the work of Idraman?’

Elodi straightened. ‘I too saw a shimmering light on my first visit. But I assumed it was but a trick of the light.’

Nyomae returned to her chair. ‘It is a Word of Forbidding. This proves Idraman still lives and somehow retains the strength to sustain it.’ She glanced to the sky outside. Uluriel knew the Caerwal Pass was key. The Ul-dalak ultimately wanted to drive south into the old realms. Idraman was unaware that Uluriel had sealed the bedrock within the Song. Thus, he could not raise the ground in the center to complete his wall. But while Idraman believed she had outthought him, she had also underestimated his strength. The Word of Forbidding across the pass is a powerful Verse. It is a lock, if you wish, on the air between the rock walls, much like the Verse Uluriel used on the ground.’

Elodi looked at the map. ‘Then why the need for a gate?’

Nyomae thought for a moment. ‘I imagine Uluriel, in the guise of the Archon, built the gate to conceal Idraman's barrier, a translucent barrier at that. If the south side of the pass was visible, we would not see a rabble of the imaginary Golesh, but forces we would recognize as our own. And sadly, I assume the construction workers met with their deaths to prevent word of it leaving the pass. Idraman sought to hold back the spawn of Ormoroth. His barrier has succeeded, but that also includes us.’ She held up a hand. ‘Ah. And of course, the gate also serves to prevent those in the old realms from looking into the north.’

Elodi sighed. ‘Then it is we who are the Lost Realms. And the seas? The Archon promised to open the way to the south for Lord Broon and the Elites.’

‘As with the barrier, it was Idraman who bent the seas to prevent Uluriel’s forces sailing south. Having lost most of their finest fighters during the last battle, the old realms were also weak. It would take decades to raise an army capable of defeating anything the Ul-dalak could muster at short notice.’

Elodi gripped the edge of her chair. ‘But what of Bardon?’

‘I fear it is Uluriel who now commands the seas. It’s possible she could have calmed the undercurrents only to stir them back to life. All it required was a spy in the Watchtower to inform her when the fleet had entered the trap.’

Elodi slumped. ‘Then we are all but defeated. Bardon and thousands of our Elites are at the bottom of the sea, while the remainder lie buried beneath the rocks in the pass.’

Toryn walked to the map. ‘Then what of the south?’ He ran his hand along the Caerwals down to the plains below. ‘Have the old realms recovered?’ He looked at Nyomae. ‘Could you speak with Idraman?’

‘I did not know for sure he lived until now. But I’m certain the voice I heard from over the Caerwals is the same that found you in the Archon’s dungeon, Toryn.'

‘Then he wants to help us? Could he defeat the Ul-dalak?’

‘He must be close to Draegelan's advanced age, but sustaining the Word of Forbidding consumes what little life he has left. He would be a most welcome ally, but I fear he may not be with us for much longer. And the voice I heard was not that of a man in command of his mind. He too sounds confused, desperate even. If he leads a new Order of Echoes in the south, he would not sound as he does. Furthermore, I believe he may be imprisoned, but for what reason I cannot tell. And sadly, he appears bewildered, living under a shadow, as once did I.’ She wrung her hands. ‘I have tried reaching him through the Song but have failed. It is a skill requiring much practice, and both the speaker and recipient need their minds to be open. I shall attempt to teach you as there will come a time when there will be many leagues between us, and our birds too slow or in danger of interception.’

‘Could Elodi also learn? It would be most useful.’

Nyomae looked to Elodi. ‘Amayans have their own ways and, as far as I am aware, do not use the Song as those of my Order. I believe it's the stones of the Amanach that provide them with both strength and the means to communicate over distance.’

Elodi frowned. ‘How do you use the Song to speak to one another?’

Nyomae sat back. ‘It is my belief that every living soul drifts into the Song when sleeping. We have a connection to our own Verse that brought us into this world. Perhaps our dreams come from our nocturnal journeys through the Song, linking with others and their Verses. I and Idraman believed we could exploit this. We arranged to meet in our dreams at a chosen spot. I would recite a line from a poem, and the following day Idraman would attempt to repeat it back. Before long, we were able to engage in a short conversation, but our time together in the dream was always scarce.’ She looked about her. ‘Ah. This room would be an ideal location for us to meet in our dreams, Toryn. We shall begin our practice at once. We can accomplish this as I teach you the ways of the Song. But we must take care. There will be the Watchers. These are the eyes of our enemy, ever-present, ever vigilant to my, and now most likely, your entry. I will teach you ways to avoid them, but as yet, I am unable to evade the likes of Uluriel if they are present. I shall strive to converse with Idraman but do not hold out much hope.’

Elodi’s gaze wandered to the mountains. ‘Yet the question remains, if Idraman created the barrier to protect the south, why is there no apparent defense on their side? Where are the guards watching the gate should Uluriel attack? Why is the pass to the south abandoned?’

Nyomae massaged her brow. ‘Alas, that is yet another mystery to solve. It could be a feint. Toryn's eyes may have been misled by a Word of Concealment. It may be the pass is guarded, but the defenders do not wish to be seen.’

Elodi sighed. ‘It will be months before the new tower is finished. Can you recall the situation in the south before the gate was built? Could you somehow penetrate Idraman's defense to see what lies beyond it?’

‘I lived under the shadow for far too long. Much of my former life appears like a dream. At times, I get flashes but I suspect much remains to be revealed. And I do not yet possess the strength to challenge Idraman’s Word of Forbidding. But I suggest we wait before investigating the south. The danger lies north.’ Nyomae’s hands dropped to her lap. ‘Uluriel did not possess the Archon solely to cripple the recovery of the Five Realms. Through the Archon, she gained access to the restricted archives secured in the citadel. And I have no doubt she will also have studied the ancient scrolls held at the Seats of Learning of Neverdor and Abernost. The arcane records have challenged our greatest minds, but if Uluriel has read and mastered them, she will soon become a foe too great for our combined strength. I spent many years with her when she was Sylvena, but I cannot pretend to know her mind.’ She tipped back her head and rubbed her eyes. ‘And another thing troubles me.’

Elodi slapped the arm of her chair. ‘Ah! It seems there’s not a crumb of comfort to be had. What else should concern us?’

Nyomae exhaled. ‘To date, we have faced only three captains of the Ul-dalak. Uluriel, Uleva and Uldrak are corrupt forms of my Order. But there must be others. Ormoroth’s warlocks, his commanders of old, would outrank them all. Only a warlock could have captured and transformed one as powerful as Sylvena into the mockery we know as Uluriel. But where are they? They have yet to reveal themselves, but when they do…’

Toryn’s scalp tingled. ‘Could they be occupied elsewhere?’

Nyomae nodded. ‘That is my fear. I suspect they may be far to the north, possibly tormenting your father.’

Toryn’s jaw clenched. ‘And we’re too weak to press beyond our own border at Dorn.’

Nyomae placed her hand on his knee. ‘We must be patient. I believe Finromir may yet frustrate their plans. And in a way, he prevents them throwing their full strength at us. Perhaps that is his strategy. But now my strength returns, and I have the two of you at my side, perhaps we may yet strike a blow.’ She arched her back. ‘But I am exhausted. The lifting of my shadow overwhelms me. There are so many confusing voices in my head, and I struggle to make sense of them.' She glanced at the door. ‘Let us take a rest, and some much-needed fresh air.’

Elodi was surprised to discover the sun had already set, and the stars shone brightly in the clear night sky. The first time she had stepped onto the balcony, Bardon had held her arm to support her. But now she stood steady, in awe of the expanse before them. The new moon’s dark face looked down from the sky, tinged silver by the thousands of stars, proud to glimmer in the absence of moonlight. Below, sounds from the city barely reached them, and in the silence, Elodi could be forgiven for thinking the land was at peace and all was well. She reached out to take the hands of Toryn and Nyomae, taking comfort from their warmth.

Elodi broke the silence. ‘I recall the Archon telling us he came out here every day to remind himself why he fought on. At the time I found his words reassuring. But now we know it was Uluriel eyeing the ultimate prize she wished to take from us.’ She turned to Nyomae. ‘Was the Archon blind? I recall his eyes sparkling with many colors. But they were white like fog prior to his death in the tower.’

Nyomae nodded. ‘He lost his sight as he fought the Draedalak. Only Uluriel’s presence gave him the semblance of vision, the farsight, which I believe Toryn possesses.’ She took his hand and ran a finger across the markings on his palm. ‘You and I are… Imaari. Ah yes, it comes back to me now. That is the name by which our kind is known. Some hear and enter the Song, but simply observe. While Imaari have the ability to enter and use the power within the Verses.’

‘You can tell this from my hands?’

‘‘The lines do not lie. Your father was more adept than I, and I believe you will also attain his full powers with time and study.’ She released his hand and looked at Elodi. ‘And as an Amayan, you also will have a semblance of the farsight and access to the old powers of the land. But we have limited time for me to fully recover my skills, and for you to master yours. That is, if we are to survive the ordeal that lies ahead.’

Elodi’s eyes were inevitably drawn to the north. She smiled wryly. ‘The Archon dismissed my claim that I could see the peaks of the Kolossos, insisting it was a cloud. It seems Uluriel cannot see everything. She did not sense my Amayan blood. But at the time, I was also ignorant of my heritage.’ She gazed upon the jagged spine of the mountains rising from the far side of the Foranfae. They glistened under the bright starlight, appearing as if Behemora, the great whale, had surfaced momentarily from the gray seas to take a breath before descending to the depths to resume the vain search for his mate. Her eyes shifted to the misty treetops of the Foranfae. ‘When one looks at the beauty of this world, one wonders why anyone would want to corrupt and destroy it. What drives such animosity against order and peace?’

Nyomae placed her hand upon Elodi’s. ‘Sadly, it is difficult to fathom what motivates those who wish to maim this land. It hurts to know how someone as noble and learned as Sylvena could be turned so quickly to their cause. Moreover, I am puzzled as to why she was defeated while Finromir yet resists. She must have endured the most terrible torment.’ She grasped the railing. ‘I often wonder whether I and Idraman could have done more to dissuade her from seeking the relic. The realms suffered a serious blow that day. And, from what we know from the last words of the Archon, the part of Sylvena that remained true, had the misfortune to witness the result of her actions.’