Aftermath

There is silence around the Menengor Mountain. Even the vast form of Sharyr – that hangs like a peregrine on the wind – is silent. Three of the Glaennyn stare inward to the lifeless form of the broken demon, Azael, split in two by the axe of Valadain. The world shudders at his passing.

Malkar the White, Valadain, Viator and Jarik regard each other as brothers would, the shared experience of the battle now binds them tighter than any blood. It is the lord of the Glaennyn, however, who is first to speak.

“I am humbled by the fortitude and courage of you people. I have seen many such battles in many universes but the sheer belief that you would defeat this monster was something to behold. We must take a moment to mourn the passing of the dead, whose souls will be immortalised in verse and story for all eternity.

“Liberation is sweet but sweeter is the devotion of the gods of Grayhawk,” his eyes find Malkar’s. “Who are prepared to fight alongside their mortal children. As you all know the Glaennyn suffered under the hands of the Grayhawkian gods but I see things have changed.”

Malkar sheathes his pure white blade. “Welcome, Glaennyn, and thank you. One thing you will learn about the people of Grayhawk is that their taste for life and living – whatever their religious persuasion – is strong. Indeed it is no wonder that such defiled creatures as Azael and his horde wish to reside here. It is my belief that the Woman in White departed this universe only when she was satisfied it was in good hands.

“The responsibility will weigh heavily upon our shoulders – all of you here – because it (the universe) is only as powerful as the races that dwell within it. There are many problems the universe faces; the lost Reaper, the horde of demons on Grayhawk, the shift in the balance of power now that the dragons and their talismanic staff have returned. The solutions to these questions will form the topic of counsels throughout Grayhawk and we – all of us here – must guard against the chaos and confusion that the opportunists will promote. If the deaths of Glenarrion and Aliandir are to mean anything, let it be a symbol of hope – let something good come from their passing.

“There are now three gods on Grayhawk,” his eyes bore into the lord of the Glaennyn, “a bringer of peace and balance…whose emergence signalled the death of the demon. We stand upon the final gate, the Menengor Mountain, and I will extend my hand to a new deity…if he will accept the challenge.”

More silence. The Gleannyn lord narrows his eyes and regards Malkar impassively, the great intelligence behind the ancient dragon’s eyes suspicious of the god’s motives.

“You are clever,” the dragon says, “they should call you Malkar of Many Faces. You seek to usurp my power in godhead?”

“I seek to cement your place on Grayhawk,” Malkar says. The rest of the party sense a growing tension between them, though neither displays it openly.

“I have just escaped a prison of the gods – why should I return to the shackles of its people?”

“You have a responsibility, lord, and let’s face it where else will you go? I know that you can feel the heartbeat of this plane, you can taste what Azael tasted. It is now up to you to decide your place here…few have such a choice. So which is it to be, Glaennyn? We stand upon the only spot on Grayhawk where Ascension can still occur; such an opportunity will never present itself again.”

The lord of the Glaennyn ponders this. “The Old gods thought that my power was limitless; in their ignorance they made me their enemy. I have no desire for godhead, Malkar, or the responsibility that goes with it. The Glaennyn are a race almost spent – their numbers can be counted on one hand. My first duty is to them.

“Grayhawk needs no more gods, Malkar, on that score Grayhawk is amply represented…instead I shall nurture the power that we have and take on a role that I have yearned for most of my life. I will retreat and study, and through the Dragonstaff my will my influence be felt.”

Malkar seems satisfied and scoops up the body of the boy, Aliandir. “Then I will depart as friend, Glaennyn…but the need for me to return this boy to her mother outweighs all at present. Willowstar’s grief will be great and she will need my solidity in the dark days to come.”

Malkar talks briefly to Valadain before vanishing with the boy Aliandir.