"...we finally made it into high Nzul, a stark realm beset by mist and grey-dark clouds, and of atmosphere extraordinary in grandeur. The thick vapours briefly part and admit narrow shafts of sun that glow upon snow-clad slopes. We took the rugged mountain pass and traversed treacherous landscapes, at last nearing the super-fortress, the Arc du Baffay.

       A pale demigod from centuries remote awaits the pilgrim: the colossal effigy of The Dire. Chiseled out of the surrounding mountains and itself like a mountain in stature, it towers beside the crumbling bridge that spans the gorge of Kanth.  Ten thousand slaves of the ancient world worked the mountain precipice and formed the hooded image of Thendel the Apostate, founder of the Nzul. He stands as a sentinel, his mailed fist clenched upon the enchanted claymore Elmethodon. According to legend the rebel elf wielded the dark blade in combat during the Auroran wars. At the dawn of the world he strove against the very power of the sapphire throne on Mt. Argunizial. Banished to this outland, he nevertheless claims the title "Liberator."

        His visage veiled, the titan seemed somehow to greet us with both a vague pity and tacit disdain."

(chapter 30)

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