A kongdomr of warriors, though rusted their swords

A kongdomr of voices, raised in hopeful song

A kongdomr of drakuns, forsaken, forgotten

A kongdomr of masks, neither young nor old

A kongdomr of faces, expectantly raised

To this new chance, a new Drottingr

Ilvana of legend

Rise, Warriors, Rise

-written by Skald-dreg Azerian Nizanson

beholden to Skald-middig Bjarke Duinenson

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THE MASKED QUEEN

THE FIRST BOOK IN THE ALLEGORY OF AONTA SERIES

I, Bjarke, Skald of Ilvana, son of Duinen, who was an honored Skald of this kongdomr before me, and Sineah, who sang not out of duty but out of love for Ilvana, make my intent known in this journal to preserve the events that have led to this current chapter in our history, that which I have titled the Second Age of the Drakun Kongren.

The first step, as I saw fit, in undertaking this pinnacle task of my life of service, was to implore the catalyst of Ilvana’s rebirth to aid in the creation of a new chronicle of history. I have collected the thoughts and actions and songs - both lay and lyrical - that led our fair Drottingr and her allies to usher in this second age of Aonta, and with their help, I shall turn what has been collected into a story that will echo through countless generations.

Whoever has stumbled upon this collection of notes and verses - be you young Skald or Scholar - know that it was never meant to be the final product of our toil. I shall write with the speed of one who understands too well that his time is not immeasurable, but should I not be able to complete my work before I am called forth to sail to the golden halls of my ancestors, I leave you this charge.

Be it on your head and heart to see that this history is proclaimed and sung in the steads of all future Ilvanian Kongren and Drottingren, and indeed, throughout every village in Ilvana, the six kongdomren, and those belonging to the kongdomren beyond the reach of Aonta.

How to begin this story of loss and renewal, lies and forgiveness, trials and thanksgiving? I have thought long and hard, and it seems appropriate to start with a recitation of the Lay of a Kongr long gone and sent to sea that has provided strength and courage to many of our leaders, including the heroine of mine tale and her father, the proud Kongr Dizean. (Blessed be his memory.) A Lay written long ago but first recorded by Skald-middig Duinen.

Yes, I shall start with the Lay of Rilken, The Last Drakun Kongr, and with a memory provided by one who knew the Heroine of Aonta before memories found her, the Lach Seaka, who shall no doubt be renowned for generations to come. (Blessed be her memory.) Here is where the tale of mine wise Drottingr began, with a mask of red and black…

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The Lay of Rilken, The Last Drakun Kongr

(the short version)

Originally written by an unnamed Skald

Traditional call and response first recorded by Skald Duinen

Short version recorded by Skald Bjarke

I. Rilken the Mighty, Rilken the Bold

First of his lineage, famed Drakun Kongr

Rilken the Just, Rilken of Old

Died in his manhood, but still young was he

This is the story, the day that he fell

Listen, my friends. Truth do I tell?

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--As he died, we shall die.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

II. Rilken the Brave, beloved Kongr of this land

Fighter, Builder, Wielder of Morel

Bound us together under his hand

His life was for his people, whom he loved

And the honest pursuit of truth

Listen, my friends. Truth do I tell?

Are we not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his love, we do share.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

III. Rilken the Peaceful, cared not for war

But sought to correct the balance

For the Heartless Ones, blighted Dunival

They feigned betrayal, the crooked betrayers

And Rilken swore to uphold their cause

But, oh, at what cost? Quick, speak truth.

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his cost, we shall pay.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

IV. Rilken the Truthful, heard not their lies

But pledged his men to blighted Dunival's aide

When the truth was found, it could not be undone

The Ageless forgive not a blow struck

Rilken's reward was Ilvana's downfall

Listen, my friends. And remember the truth.

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--As he fought, we shall fight.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

V. Rilken the Faithful, repented his mistake

But it was too late. Oh, it was too late

The Unwavering are as cold as fire frozen

The Mountain's decision cannot be swayed

Ilvana and blighted Dunival, abandoned

Sing a mourning song, friends. Truth do I tell?

Are we not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his song, we shall sing.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

VI. Rilken the Guileless, did mourn this loss

And his heart was so greatly burdened

He took leather and fitted it to his face

Never again was his maskless face seen

Penance extracted from one so innocent

Sing a mourning song, friends. Truth do I tell?

Are we not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his song, we shall sing.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

VII. Rilken the Warrior, promised atonement

He promised freedom from this shadow

Rilken the Just, raised high Morel's light

He gathered his men of justice

And together they banished the Heartless

But, oh, at what cost? Quick, speak truth.

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his cost, we shall pay.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

VIII. Rilken the Morel, honored Kongr of Ilvana

The day he rode out knew his fate

He kissed his wife, fair Drottingr Diyana

She mourned his departure with songs sweet

A songbird's sad song, but one of victory

Sing a mourning song, friends. Truth do I tell?

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--As he fought, we shall fight.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

IX. Rilken the Honored, and his men of justice

Men strong as stone, unyielding, mighty

Drove out the Heartless from their hidden places

Men weak as wind, dark as shadow

The Nameless traitors unmasked, brought low

Do you not know, friends? Quick, speak truth.

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his cost, we shall pay.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

X. Rilken the Mighty, not for love of blood

Nor for pursuit of greed or revenge thoughtless

But for love of his people and his land

Chased the Unnamed ruler to the top of the world

To the crags of Aturnel, there to mete out Ilvana's justice

Listen, my friends, and remember the truth.

Are we not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his love, we do share.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

XI. Rilken the Just, pursued the Unnamed traitor

To the highest step, and raised Morel high

He dealt the final blow, the Heartless' misery

But it was not without cost paid dearly

For both did fall, from the highest to the lowest

Sing us now together, friends, a song of costly victory.

Are you not Rilken's kin?

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--As he died, we shall die.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

XII. The sunrise bled red, the sunset bled white

The stars fell out of the sky

On this, the day that Rilken died

His reign was short, Fair Diyana did mourn

Our hearts forever will enfold them

Never shall we forget, never shall our mourning cease

But this song we sing of costly victory

For Rilken the Drakun Kongr, famed Kongr of Ilvana

For we are Rilken's kin.

--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.

--As he lived, we shall live.

--And his song, we shall sing.

--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.

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