Chapter 7 – Askian
Lanna, Declan and Marnordir were now traveling towards Kel-Nazir and their destiny. There were still five days to go before Emperor Maximilien would carry out his threat and kill again. It was a little respite for Duke Daphnis Nerii, who knew nothing of the blood pact between Lanna and Queen Circa. It heralded the writing of dark pages in history.
The world was about to change, and for you to understand this change, I must go back in time and tell you a few words about a strange land called Askian.
Askian is the territory of dragons and jewels. On the continent of Monastia, it is a land of mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, forests, towns, castles. This is also a land of gold and gems miners, trolls, fantastic creatures, and dragons.
Known for its wealth and parallel economy, Askian broke away from Sayosia in the seventh century after the Four Continents conquest, without ever completely dissociating itself from the yoke of the empire.
Living deep within its mountains, dwarves mine magical gems and crystals, driven by their greed and the prospect of fortune. That is one of the reasons why Politics in Askian is so complex, and every decision requires consensus from all participants. The stakes for mountain miners and residents are high, thus creating frictions within the community.
Over the decades, the emperors of Sayosia have increased the tax rates gradually in their occupied territories, and those who are not able to pay these enormous amounts are never seen again. When the Emperor Daryen heard about the magical crystals in Askian, he became even greedier, and the country has since been subjected to increased surveillance and unreasonable taxes.
But despite the empire's interest in the country and its rich economy, the rumor of one of the greatest prophecies of our era had trouble crossing the borders of the Askian mountains and making itself known by the world. The quest for Galyeon’s secret could begin!
… For it is in these mountains that a terrible misfortune shattered traditional order. The Twelve have disappeared. They’ve been kidnapped by a dark sorcerer… Those who wish to discover the secret of Galyeon’s Heart will first have to free the Twelve and save them from their direful fate…
Legends say that the mountains were harboring a wizard, a sinister trickster. They call him Dark Creator. He has bred creatures so abject they would darken the brightest day. No one is certain whether he ever existed or not, and many fables about him are shared among the inhabitants of the land. This mysterious character is allegedly the holder of many secrets. Some say he hides the Twelve.
Everybody dreams, isn’t it? But everybody doesn’t have the chance to daydream. This is however what happens to those who decide to pursue the great quest of Galyeon’s Heart. Fortune smiles to those who may perhaps discover the secret of the Twelve and live great adventures. But long is the road and infinite are the possibilities.
Some say the Twelve escaped, others that Marnordir freed them in the year 731 after the death of the Emperor Daryen, while still others claim they simply disappeared. We don't really known where the legend starts, all we do know is that the Twelve can't be found and the quest for Galyeon's Heart has begun.