PROLOGUE
year 6078
3 years must Talmus undergo the Trials. Under Garus shall his training seek its pivot and under the eyes of the Sthril’ell Elders shall his powers be contained.
Shetspus, Sthril’ell elder
The Trials of Talmus: Part 1
For one year have I been training young Talmus. Strong is the magic held within him, though evil is its intent as foreseen by Montara the prophet. I have not yet sensed this evil in which Montara has told tale of. But my powers are but a fraction of those held by the elders. The Sthril’ell elders have bestowed the staff of family Talmus unto me. First born in this line is Talmus. His powers have grown strong within the past year of training and the time has come to begin his trials. First, the trials of fire, in which Talmus will have little difficulty in achieving, must be passed. Talmus is my first apprentice. I fear that I am not ready to undertake this powerful student. I still have yet to finish my own training. The trial everlasting has yet to be completed by me. With the completion of this trial shall I be granted the prize bestowed unto the elders...... Immortality.
year 9766
the test and the nation of Tarsoon
The master of ceremonies of the grand ordeal stood before the altar situated in the center of the small village of Tok. Around the altar stood the four chosen to undertake the great quest. Every year a village within the nation of Tarsoon is chosen. From that village, four residents between the ages of 16 to 24 are selected from a waiting list held within that village. The nation of Tarsoon was founded in the year 9203 by a race of people called the Dweelers. Dweelers look and behave much like humans. In this society Honor is more important than wealth. A poor family with Honor is more respected than a wealthy family with no Honor. Only a triumph or defeat in the Grand Ordeal can change the status of one’s family. Many families have been brought down to the lowest class in their communities due to a family member ‘s failure in the Grand Ordeal, but many have brought their family honor and respect. With honor and respect comes power and influence. Religion in Tarsoon is based on a series of gods and goddesses, which control every aspect of the environment in which they live. The sun goddess Brigde is the overseer of the Grand Ordeal and its participants. Even though far from their homelands will the quest bring them, they will still be under the watchful eyes of the mighty Brigde. Only Brigde can save one’s soul after death. None will disobey the rules.
