dimihn am as itam
End of the Journey
t was during the time of Great Despair when Veloth and his people reached the land of Resdayn.
²For untold weeks they had climbed a mighty range of mountains under Veloth’s leadership.
³Many among the Chimer considered this path to be folly, but they were driven by Veloth’s unyielding certainty and commitment.
⁴They came upon a great pass, a deep scar in the mountain covered in ice and snow. ⁵Veloth drove them onward, chasing a vision that had come to him in a dream. ⁶He claimed to see a great hawk in the sky. He vowed that the hawk would lead the Chimer to a new home. ⁷They drudged through the pass, but after a time the Chimer could go no farther. A great wall of ice blocked their way.
⁸Then a powerful voice boomed from the mountains. “Who are you and why have you come to this place?”
⁹“We are a people without a home,” replied Veloth to the mountain.
¹⁰A young woman stepped out of the wall of ice.
“And who are you?” asked Veloth.
¹¹“I am Chimer-Friend. I have come to lead you home, if you are willing to accept my challenge. ¹²I demand a sacrifice of you, Veloth. Swear an oath that will make you a better mer.”
¹³Veloth hoisted his mighty hammer and proclaimed, “Never again shall I wield this tool or any other to slay a foe. ¹⁴I have given my heart to my people, but now I shall give them more. I shall dedicate my life and my soul to them.”
¹⁵The woman turned and waved at the wall of ice. It melted away in moments. Beyond lay an alien land of fungus and ash. ¹⁶She began to walk forward and the Chimer followed.
Veloth spoke to his people. “We are home,” he declared. ¹⁷“This is the anvil upon which we shall forge a new people. One journey ends here, but another journey begins.”