Mythical Emblems of Gragodon

The realms of living beings are no longer the same as what we are used to seeing. Far into the future, our Earth has undergone one cataclysmic upheaval after another such that the past civilizations of human beings and their cities lie buried deep in its crust. What remains is the bare earth, the seas and vast lands, devoid of any monumental buildings or skyscrapers to speak of. And yet, the inhabitants of this new world have the same longings and desires that have all along guided the race of human beings in their varied paths - towards the pursuit of power and greater glory. In this medieval setting, evolved breeds of humans inhabit the world with other never-before-seen creatures. Some of these are the ferocious lion-like citizens of Regnadea, the brawny Bezgrodh of the sandy plains, winged Gleidera of the Orvidean kingdom, fierce Reptila from the Solmian realm, warrior maidens from the Sol Hills, powerful Sorcerers who think nothing of bringing forth mighty weapons of destruction, and an intelligent race of people dwelling deep under the ocean. Distrust runs deep amongst the different races of beings. They prefer mostly to have nothing to do with any from the other races. Should one stray into the domain of the other, that person would least likely return to his own kind. The inhabitants of the seven realms of living beings are careful not to provoke one another. The annals of the past ages have taught them the value of an enduring peace. And yet, when one suddenly comes upon the secrets to employing vast mystical might, the fateful happenings of long ages do not seem so daunting anymore. A renewed confidence comes into play. Once again, the way forward looks promising. The need, to dominate over all the races of living beings, takes on a new meaning. A struggle for supreme power ensues. Many lives are lost in the process. To prevent such unwholesome aspirations from holding sway over the entire planet, the famed but long-forgotten mystical Gragodonian emblems are recalled from their secret alcoves across the seven realms of populated beings. To counteract the forces of the Gragodonian emblems, other mystical powers, which look set to overpower the cause of the good peoples, are also set in motion. In this volatile backdrop, three young kings from the northern kingdoms of Lamiras, Meldovia and Varnosia are secretly charged with the task of battling the perpetrators of unwholesome intentions. Melthur, one of the greatest Sorcerers of the times, reveals the happenings of bygone ages to a startled audience. The enormity of the task at hand is made clear. Though mighty by himself, he has lost much of his mystical talents to the wiles of an ageing body. The enemy, also endowed with immense mystical might, look set to unleash their unique brand of justice upon the common peoples of the world. Unexpectedly, danger stalks the three kings at the very outset of their valiant quest. While the young stalwarts seek out their powerful mystical emblems, the enemy also moves quickly to thwart them. The royal comrades are none the wiser about the true identity of their nemesis and the price of their ignorance proves costly indeed. In their quest to overcome the evil of the times, will any or all of them fall by the wayside? This is a story about Courage. It is about Perseverance. It is about Friendships and Loyalty. It is also about Love. It is about overcoming the obstacles and challenges, which each and every single person in this world faces in his or her unique way, inevitably thrown into our path in this self-discovering journey called Life.

Towards the end of the previous volume, Anamarias, Irah and Daasarpias seem to have wandered into the abode of the Oceaneoples, a mystical realm, not given to the likes of ordinary folk to behold. Back from their strange journey, they wonder whether it has been nothing more than a dream. They soon encounter the Spirit of the Sea, a daunting warrior, even stronger than the individual powers of the Gragodonian emblems. Coming off second best, the three kings are steered towards the realm of Regnadea, home to the ferocious lion-like inhabitants of that land. The monarch of Regnadea has his eye on the Sceptre emblem of Meldovia. The emblem bearers eventually proceed towards the mysterious Misty Realm. The stalwarts become separated in the realm of mists and only Anamarias and Daasarpias find themselves in the presence of another mythical race of beings. The ways of this mysterious people confound the two young warrior kings. Before they finally take leave of their august hosts, Anamarias has a premonition of the passing of a future event. The Meldovian monarch catches up with his comrades. Together once again, the three warrior kings are directed towards the realm of Solma, a land taken over by a fierce race of reptilian creatures from another race of warrior human females. Here, they come upon more surprising encounters. In the midst of their quests, Anamarias and Irah fall for the temptations of the fairer gender. Daasarpias, the more wizened one, steers clear of such unwelcome distractions. In the meantime, the enemy becomes even mightier, with two of the five Gragodonian emblems coming into their possession. To proclaim themselves masters of all living kind, they only need one more of the mystically powerful emblems. Helpless to prevent the seizure of two coveted emblems, the three monarchs are forced to proceed along more dangerous trails, those which even the great sorcerer, Melthur, had not ventured upon in his time. The tyrant of Belgond has his eyes on becoming the supreme lord over all living beings. Once an upright monarch, he had, long ago, succumbed to the dark vibes of the Black Bangle. His plans, to seize the remaining emblems from their true bearers, are shared in greater fervor by his cunning and villainous queen. The fates seem to favor the schemings of the evil stalwarts. They become even more formidable, when the past and present wielders of the famed Black Bangle come together, to face the three emblem bearers. The emblem bearers battle mightier creatures, knowing that their powerful emblems may not be enough to overcome all of their adversaries. In the lead up to the final battle, one amongst the three kings breaks his leg. As if this is not enough to weaken their resolve, the emblem bearers find themselves bereft of another great ally, to the wiles of the enemy. The enemy, apprised of the arrival of their adversaries into their very domain, cunningly plan their maneuvers to overcome the stalwarts from the northern kingdoms. The castle of the Belgondian monarch is the trap to which the remaining emblem bearers are led. The greatest battle of the times is enacted upon these hallowed grounds. The mystical might of great sorcerers is unleashed upon the emblem bearers. Will the forces of good overcome those of evil inclinations?

The passing of Lord Abel of Lamiras heralds the departure of joy from Castle Len. The gloom surrounding the castle permeates to the citizens of the land. The coming of hard times is envisaged by the Puyrruhian Sorceress, Lady Jasmina. The comrades, Irah and Daasarpias, unaware of the tragic events taking place in faraway Lamiras, instead of returning to their individual kingdoms, make a detour towards the hidden abode of the women warriors of the Sol Hills in Solma. Irah's imagination is fired up by idealistic ponderings and he wonders whether it is possible to bring about a reconciliation of sorts between the ruling reptila of Solma and its past stewards. In the process, Captain Korgul and his brave reptilian warriors are roped into this wishful-thinking venture. It is one thing to wish for goodness to return to the world but the stark realities facing the reptila and the human warriors of Solma remain an altogether insurmountable obstacle to overcome. In the task that he is about to carry out, Captain Korgul realizes the grave consequences facing the vast populace of his reptilian people. In the meanwhile, the bearer of the Black Bangle, after his victorious challenge over the monarch of Lamiras and the Spirit of the Sea, believes that the Staff emblem has also been destroyed in his battle against the two stalwarts. Setting his sights on the remaining Gragodonian emblems, he seeks out the rest of the Emblem bearers, intending to defeat them one after another. The Sceptre emblem soon comes into his arsenal of mystical weapons. Fortunately for Anamarias and Sareena, they are rescued by the Seeker folk of the misty realm and they proceed towards Orvidea, intent on saving the life of their dear comrade. Queen Orlinda of Orvidea, learning of the heroic exploits of the Emblem bearers, sets her sight upon wooing one of the valorous monarchs. Any monarch worth his salt would definitely acknowledge the advantages in having such a warrior queen for a wife. In the parallel world of the smaller-sized folk of ZoVog realm, Daasarpias and Yuleyae find themselves facing the wrath of another mighty Sorcerer, ZoValmar. The weapon of this Sorcerer exactly matches the fury of the Black Bangle of Belgond. Yuleyae beholds firsthand the might of ZoValmar's dark band. In the land of Belgond, the wielder of the Black Bangle believes that the time is right to gather his might and plan his strategies, for the emblem bearers are preoccupied with the affairs and problems of the different realms. Navlon is certain that the fates have played into his very hands.

Through an ingenious ruse, Navlon gifts the Sceptre and Crown Emblems to two chieftains of the woodland tribe, Gossmer and Fal Gen. These emblems soon become submissive to the willpower of their new bearers. Armed with such mighty weapons, they proceed towards the inner recesses of the misty realm, hoping to uncover the whereabouts of the Seeker folk. Queen Orlinda plans her own stratagems in weaning away Arianne's affections for the Meldovian monarch. Without his Sceptre, Lord Irah seems at the mercy of the Orvidean queen. Yuleyae and Daasarpias, pursued by the powerful Sorcerer of ZoVog realm, return to their own world. Arriving at the Misty realm, they are pitted against the wielder of the Black Bangle and they nearly become his latest victims. In the realm of Solma, the efforts of Captain Korgul, leader of the reptilian rebellion, look doomed from the start. The rebels are unexpectedly ambushed and the vast might of Lord Kragbot, ruler of the realm, is unleashed upon the smaller rebel forces. In the ancient and long-forgotten land of Lavadea, a violent eruption brings back to life the dreaded Droll Lord and his equally fearsome droll warriors. Armed with his indestructible Fire-axe, he seeks revenge upon the kingdom of Lamiras. Having defeated a previous wielder of the Staff emblem in times past, he now gathers his army for the long-awaited journey across the seas towards Lamiras. Some of the emblem bearers are despatched to that land of volcanoes to contain the fresh challenge of the Droll Lord. And yet, deep down they know that it is only a matter of time before the Fire-axe of their mighty adversary despatches them into the Great Void of spirit beings. Death and destruction fall upon the protagonists of this fatal encounter. In the battle between the reptilian forces of Lord Kragbot and Captain Korgul, the wielder of the Black Bangle throws his mystical skills behind the massive forces of the ruling clan. The balance of power definitely tilts towards the more ferocious elements of the realm. Leading the Solmian woman warriors in the fight against Lord Kragbot, Lady Yuleyae, wielder of the Pendant emblem, mysteriously vanishes into the thin air. It is given to Captain Yashti to assume command and ride swiftly towards Fort Sol Lemo, to the aid of their reptilian comrades and the Shield emblem bearer. The Emblem bearers become separated from one another. In their battles against the different unruly elements, their mystical skills are taxed to their utmost capabilities. Anything more and their lives would definitely be forfeit. Never have they battled such mighty adversaries. The outcomes do not augur well for the good peoples of the world.

Sinaria, daughter of Anamarias and Sareena of Lamiras, finds herself amidst strange and dark surroundings. Coming upon the spirit personalities of Mondilozar, Naevalona, Tormari and Lord Kragbot, the realization sinks in that she has mysteriously entered into the netherworld of spirit beings. Realizing that Sinaria possesses a powerful amulet, the netherworld entities try their utmost to seize the same from her. Because the kings of Lamiras, Meldovia and Varnosia need to be in their respective kingdoms to protect their subjects and keep the peace, the queens of the three kingdoms, their children and Lorrday, monarch of Orvidea leave on a quest to seek out the parallel realm of the smaller-sized ZoVog peoples. They hope to come upon ZoValmar, mighty Sorcerer who had fashioned the dark emblem which whisked Sinaria to the netherworld realm. Instead, they come upon LoJadr, royal Sorcerer of LoMun realm, who captures them. He is intent on basking in the glory of having outwitted and overcome mighty adversaries of the giant world of humans. In the meantime the land of Solma becomes divided into two parts; one belonging to the reptila - large lizard-like creatures which walk upon their hind legs; and the other, ruled by the woman warriors of the Sol Hills. In the nondescript hamlet of Bel Thray, Navlon becomes a skilled maker of bangles. He lives there in peace with himself, not having once worn the Black Bangle in all the years there. To his consternation, he finds the coveted Black Bangle stolen from him. He is enraged and seeks out the Sorcerers who had dared to undertake such a deed. The princes of Orvidea and Meldovia, by strange and mysterious means, find themselves in the snowy realm of Wons. The enchantments of the Priestesses of that land endanger their lives. In the battle that follows, the fires of the heavens are unleashed upon the princes. Only a miracle can save them from the vengeful attack of the Priestesses of Wons. The monarchs of Lamiras, Meldovia and Varnosia come again upon Lord Dalgon and his stone warriors. Their encounter results in tragedy for one amongst the brave stalwarts. Sinaria, Lord Kragbot and Mondilozar return to the mortal plane. Each has an agenda of his own to empower and enrich himself at the expense of the mortal world. To make matters worse for the good peoples, another great evil lord reveals himself to the gaze of the greatest amongst the Destroyer race of peoples. Lord Drakileon, not born of the five elements, knows that he cannot be overcome even by the collective powers of all the five Gragodonian Emblems. Luudva, ordained leader of the Seeker folk of the misty realm, is ousted from her lordly station by the schemings of Nagrod, most powerful amongst the Seeker folk, and Lord Drakileon. Things do not at all look good for the different races of beings upon the mortal plane.

Lord Drakileon, Wielder of the Dark Will, turns out to be the greatest foe of the good peoples of the mortal world. Of formless bearing, he cannot even be overcome by the combined powers of the five Gragodonian emblems. It is this formless adversary who, in earlier times, first endowed the Priestesses of Wons, Lord Dalgon of the Mountain Folk, Angulor – Droll Lord of Lavadea, Tormari – famed forger of the Black Bangle, Mondilozar – erstwhile monarch of Belgond and LoJadr - royal Sorcerer of LoMun realm, with potent might to strike back at the races of the good peoples. With his mystical might, Lord Drakileon returns Tormari, Naevalona and Grelzu, all of them powerful Sorcerers, from the nether world back to the mortal plane. Tormari's previous full-bodied frame is restored to its previous wholesome self. To overcome the bearers of the Gragodonian emblems, each of the stalwarts of Drakileon's chosen army is gifted with a mighty blazing sword. Nagrod, self-appointed leader of the Seeker folk, and the present bearer of the Black Bangle, Elder Tolhers, are all brought together by the mystical powers of the formless creature. Realizing that there is little time to lose, Gleideress Luudva, ousted leader of the Seeker folk, hurriedly seeks out the five emblem bearers. Yashti, bearer of the Pendant emblem, and Orlinda, bearer of the Crown emblem proceed towards Varnosia where the bearers of the Staff, Sceptre and Shield emblems are gathered. Thrijond, elderly steward of the underwater realm of the Oceaneoples, and possibly the most powerful Sorcerer of the mortal realm, refuses to join in the battle against Lord Drakileon and his mighty army, fearing that his underwater world would be destroyed by Drakileon's supremely mystical powers. The earliest Emblem bearers had been forewarned never to come together. In this most devastating of battles to be fought, and with all the Emblem bearers coming together for the first time to fight a common foe, the warning of those ancient times sounds a precursor of doom to the far-seeing eyes of Gleideress Luudva. She is aware that the original task of the present Emblem bearers to destroy the Black Bangle of Belgond has yet to find fruition. Compared to the mystical might of Lord Drakileon's chosen warriors, the Emblem bearers are totally outclassed. And yet, an imminent battle looms against the background of a darkening horizon. The future of all the different races of mortal beings rests upon the outcome of this greatest battle on the plains of Minodin Vale. Many of the gallant stalwarts of this compelling tale are sure to lose their all in this most heroic of battles ever to be fought.