Story: A Shared Lucid Dream
It came to pass one night, while Breeta, one of the Head Practitioners of the Royal Court of Magicians, was ready to perform her Dream Walking duties to protect the Royal Family's Dream Space - a strange and wonderful event happened.
Before she could begin her walk, she became lucid in a dream and found herself standing in a moon-lit glade surrounded by a mysterious, thick forest. And with her were eight other people, all together in the same shared lucid dream: King Eletroth of Effrendell, Queen Aolin of Effrendell, Princess Alta of Effrendell, Queen Consort Ree'an the Wise of D'nashk, King Holgar of D'nashk, Queen Ava the Beautiful of D'nashk, Prince Bomar of D'nashk, and Keanot, joint Head Practitioner with Breeta over the Royal Court of Magicians.
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While they were all astonished at this, none were frightened, for the Omen of the Most High made known His presence to them. And before they could converse beyond expressions of surprise to one another, twelve Giant Eagles flew above them in the sky in a large circle. Then, the Eagles landed in a perfect ring around the Dream Travelers, spread their wings and opened their beaks to let forth cries. But instead of the intense sonic boom that Giant Eagles normally make, a profound 12-Tone musical chant engulfed them. Such music has only been heard once before by the Peoples of the Known World, and that by Keanot, Breeta and Princess Alta on their travels to the High Lands to collect the King's Seals. And the beauty of the 12-Tone song was such that tears began to well within their eyes.
In a short while, the song faded and another traveler arrived on the back of a thirteenth Eagle. It was Cur'Raden, the Way Maker, and as his Eagle landed, he stepped forth to reveal himself to them. His appearance was different from what they had grown to expect. For, by this time, Cur'Raden had already become a legend as a Prophet in the Wilderness, healing those who came to him, bringing tears of repentance as he called out inconsistent ways of life in light of the Knowledge of the Most High, and speaking harshly against corruption in the highest places of Elf Leadership. But now, Cur'Raden stood before them dressed in the robes of an Elven Priest, baring a sash with colors that did not match any current kingdom priesthood.
And as he answered their questions and spoke to them in riddles, their hearts burned with a passion that consumed the deepest wells of their being.
"Are you the Champion of the Most High spoken of in the Sacred Writings?" asked King Eletroth.
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"It is as you say, though none have imagined how the Kingdom shall manifest, " he answered.
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"Will your Kingdom of Summer be for all the Peoples of the Known World?" asked Queen Aolin.
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"Indeed, the Kingdom shall include those from every tribe and language of the Peoples of the Known World, and also the Monster Races. Anyone who accepts the King shall themselves be accepted." he answered.
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"Will we be able to travel freely back and forth to the High Lands?" asked Princess Alta.
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"There shall be no need, for the High Lands shall cross over the Divide to you, " he answered.
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"Is it true we will see our loved ones again who have gone before us in the sleep of death?" asked Queen Consort Ree'an.
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"Many who have fallen asleep will cross over the Divide to help usher in the Kingdom of Summer. Some you will know, some will be a surprise to you, and some come from distant lands and distant times that you know nothing about." answered Cur'Raden.
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"Will the Emperor of Darkness have his victory over our earthly kingdom?" asked King Holgar.
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"For one hour all the servants of the Most High shall be greatly troubled. But take heart, when the dawn breaks, the light of the Most High will shine upon you, and your inheritance will be everlasting."
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"What is the Kingdom of Summer like?" asked Queen Ava.
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"The Kingdom of Summer is like a tiny seed that falls to the ground and no one notices. But then, it grows steadily into the largest tree in the whole garden, so large that it can provide shade to everyone who desires it. No one who comes for relief from the hot sun shall be turned away. The Kingdom of Summer shall also be a surprise to many. While some who think they have earned a high and lofty place in it's branches shall miss it altogether, still others who have never heard it spoken of by name shall wake to find a place of honor and joy."
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"How can we know if we have citizenship in this great Kingdom?" asked Prince Bomar.
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"Again, anyone who accepts the King shall themselves be accepted. The King will pay all the taxes for citizenship, and the subjects need only to come to the Banquet. "
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"What is the meaning of the Song of the Eagles?" asked Keanot.
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"They sing an ancient song of Creation, Descent into Darkness, Rescue and Renewal. This song will be sung again by the Most High over the guests who come to the Great Banquet. At that time, you shall be given ears that hear and a heart that understands."
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"When will these things come to pass?" asked Breeta.
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"When the Great Tree withers, the hour of trouble is at hand. When it blossoms again, the Kingdom of Summer has begun."
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"Now, " continued Cur'Raden, "the time has come for me to speak to each of you privately, for you all have important roles to play in the days to come." And one by one, he took each aside and had quiet conversation. And each traveler came back solemn and thoughtful. And none dared asked what was revealed, for the Omen of the Most High warned them to respect each other's Destiny.
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