Histories

Tarndlin Ga'Rin Telradorin

Tarndlin bowed before his audience in the style of the Bards, allowing a dark smile to flicker across his lips.

‘This is the story of the kingdom of Mar'Kalin'Draun, which was brought to power over two millennia ago. The first dreams of this kingdom were but a village. Those of the clan of La'Ra'Sa'Rin numbered but a few hundred. In the earliest days the clan was beset by other rival clans. The Telradorin family were well known for their ability in battle, and a natural art in the tactics of warfare. Over the course of generations the Telradorin family led the clan La'Ra'Sa'Rin through many victories and in time their rivals could stand to battle them no more. A pact was struck and the rivals of La'Ra'Sa'Rin became their allies. Through generation upon generation this land flourished and the clans became as one through the leadership and guidance of the Telradorin family. This land of once rivals became a kingdom. The kingdom of Mar'Kalin'Draun.

‘The first king of Mar'Kalin'Draun was Garisia Tel'Ra'Gar Telradorin. Generations passed as the kingdom grew under the kings of the Telradorin until finally the last king of Mar'Kalin'Draun came into power. His father had instilled him with the virtues and the lessons of the Telradorin and also a great ambition to extend the lands of Mar'Kalin'Draun. This last king raised a great army numbering some fifty-thousand warriors and he set forth to build the greatest of all the kingdoms. For many years this king brought his campaign into lands strewn far and wide. His name nearly so becoming legend, for his every battle was won and the love of his army for him was unrivaled. After every battle that was won, the troops chanted his name and rattled their shields and swords in his honor.

‘In time a dark lady came to him and whispered the secrets of power into his ear. Yet this king was virtuous and spurned all her attempts at seduction. This did not set well with the Dark Lady and she began to plot for the death of the king. In the camps of the enemy she did lie dark plans and counseled them in ancient magicks. Through her secrets a great trap was set and the general of the enemy was bestowed with powers no living mortal has ever known. The battle raged for days unabated, the warriors of both camps died in numbers uncomprehending until finally the general of the enemy Draglin Calisht, bestowed with the powers of the dead, met upon the field the last king of Mar'Kalin'Draun. This battle itself raged for hours. In time all fighting ceased except for at the center where the two champions warred upon another. Finally through the strength of his unnatural power, Draglin Calisht slew the king. And the Dark Lady came to this fallen king and for the first time embraced him. Silently she picked up the body of the king and dissolved into a dark mist.

‘Without an heir to the throne, a regent was appointed. Was it not for the lingering effect of the dark lady’s influence upon the enemies’ camps, the kingdom may have eventually recovered from this treachery. However quickly did the armies descend upon the lands of their enemy. Within six months of the fall of their king, Mar'Kalin'Draun was absorbed by her enemies, forever ending the reign of a vast and great empire.’

Tarndlin paused dramatically with a small secretive smile briefly crossing his features.

‘I am Tarndlin Ga'Rin Telradorin of the clan of the La'Ra'Sa'Rin, the last king of Mar'Kalin'Draun, and this is my story.’

Rising up, Tarndlin flourished a quick deep bow, and regarded me with a dark smile.