Brett Armstrong's Blog, page 6

Shadows at Nightfall Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Hello there! Today, I’m honored to be starting a virtual tour with Celebrate Lit to share about the most recent Quest of Fire book, Shadows at Nightfall! There are interviews, excerpts, and reviews from keen readers both fresh to the series and familiar with it. You can check out the tour’s page on Celebrate Lit’s site:

http://www.celebratelit.com/shadows-at-nightfall-celebration-tour/

Or visit individual stops by clicking the links below. There’s a special giveaway running throughout the tour, so be sure to follow along and participate for a chance at some great prizes. There will also be a special reveal at the end of the tour, so be sure to check back here on March 31st!

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, March 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 18

Inklings and notions, March 19

For Him and My Family, March 20

deb’s Book Review, March 21

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 29

Guild Master, March 30

Tomorrow’s Edge Today

On October 31st, my novel, Day Moon, will have been in print for four years! More than that, we’re now eighteen years from the opening pages of Day Moon. As it happens, one of the key characters, Lara Hopewell, was eighteen in that book and would have recently been born. I thought to commemorate that I’d give a rundown of some articles I found where things look like they’re shaping out like the Tomorrow’s Edge series:

INDUCTION POWERED CARS – In Day Moon cars are powered by inductive, mag-lev roads and controlled through centralized operating systems. I wondered at the time I wrote it if the investment in the infrastructure needed for inductive roads was realistic. Apparently it is:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/michigan-developing-electrified-road-to-wirelessly-charge-evs-whitmer-says/ar-AAOHl6Q?ocid=uxbndlbing

UNIFIED GLOBAL RESPONSE TO HACKERS – In Day Moon, much of how technology is used was dictated by a unified global effort to eliminate the danger of hackers. At the time such a singular response seemed like a stretch. Not so much now.

https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-plans-30-country-170947977.html

AI ASSESSING EMOTIONS – In Veiled Sun augmented and virtual reality sessions deceive people into believing their moving through reality. Achieving something like that would require an AI that can replicate human emotions and expressions in real time. So one that identifies correctly emotion is certainly a step in that direction:

https://futurism.com/the-byte/canon-employees-smile-facial-recognition-camera-work

WEARABLE TECH/FOLDABLE DISPLAYS – Wearable and embedded devices are all over the Tomorrow’s Edge series, one of the more fun applications was the digital map that is used in Veiled Sun to navigate a warehouse and interface with its devices. The second link is particularly important for that to be feasible.

https://hothardware.com/news/arm-wearable-plasticarm-flexible-microchip

https://techxplore.com/news/2021-09-ultrathin-quantum-dot-freely-paper.html

HACKER STINGS– Targeted policing efforts aimed at sophisticated hacker groups is one of the primary roles of the intelligence agencies of the Tomorrow’s Edge world. We may not always notice but it’s already happening. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if one day a hacktivist group is targeted that wanted to redress a corrupt and sinister governmental agency like MetaDonia in Veiled Sun, then the official news of that fallout might read like this too.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-57394831

SURVEILLANCE MERCENARYISM – Mass surveillance is increasingly achievable and perhaps happening unbeknownst to those targeted and for reasons those affected are completely unaware of. The difference between the world at present and that of Tomorrow’s Edge is that to some degree the surveillance is warmly embraced. It does have benefits for catching and stopping criminal activity, but everything tech in Tomorrow’s Edge is a showcase of how counting the cost before committing to an innovation has been deferred to the extent that the world is on the cusp of losing hold of reality forever.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-57910355

EROSION OF TRUSTWORTHY INFORMATION SOURCES – Part of what creates the world of Tomorrow’s Edge is that combatting misinformation and deceit leads to a single authoritative source of information, Project Alexandria. Except, that single authoritative source is itself being used for sinister purposes. We desperately need a source of genuine truth to turn to, but finding it in a digital landscape is ever the more tricky with each passing day.

https://www.wired.com/story/internet-deception-stay-what-do-now/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

I thought I would share these articles (a tiny sample collected over the years) that show how in the four years since Day Moon released, eighteen years out from the first pages of that story’s world, we’re fast becoming that world. I don’t suspect that things will look exactly the same, but it’s really fascinating as a writer to see all of these facets of the world imagined for the Tomorrow’s Edge series coming into reality in our own world. As I work on the final installment of the series, Silent Stars, there is a whole other sphere of technology advancements that I think could potentially shape the future. I’m hoping to have that book finished before those developments reach fruition and become part of our world.

What are some tech or social developments that you’ve noticed that you think will have big implications for the future, good or bad?

Veiled Sun CelebrateLit Tour

I hope the start to this new year finds you well and enjoying a marked improvement to last year. It feels strange to think that the second book in my Tomorrow’s Edge series has been out for about a year now. In some ways I feel like I failed this book. It released right on the cusp of my work life ramping up to the frenetic COVID pace that still refuses to let up. In the ensuing busyness I don’t think I ever properly shared it with everyone. It certainly wasn’t because I don’t care for this story or think it’s not worth being read. So, I’m really excited to be commemorating its year since release with the honor of having Veiled Sun also featured in a CelebrateLit Tour! There is an interview and reviews and a really cool giveaway. Be sure to check out each stop from January 14th to January 27th and take a moment learn about this story that I’ve been relatively quiet about in almost complete inverse proportion to how much I treasure it.

Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 14

Texas Book-aholic, January 15

Wishful Endings, January 16 (Author Interview)

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 17

For Him and My Family, January 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

deb’s Book Review, January 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 21

Inklings and notions, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 24

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Book of Ruth Ann, January 26

Simple Harvest Reads, January 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Succession CelebrateLit Tour

As Christmas is fast approaching and the end of the year is looming just ahead, I’m really excited and honored to get to have the Quest of Fire series be featured in a CelebrateLit Tour. There are interviews, reviews, and a really cool giveaway. Be sure to check out each stop from December 1st to December 14th!

[image error]

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7

By The Book, December 8 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Artistic Nobody, December 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Stories By Gina, December 11

deb’s Book Review, December 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12

Guild Master, December 13

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 14

Succession’s Release Tour

This week I have the immense honor of having my latest release, Succession (Quest of Fire Book 2) on tour with JustReads! Check out each stop for some great interviews, excerpts from Succession and The Gathering Dark, and a special tour wide giveaway!

Before sharing the list of tour stops, I’d also like to highlight two other fantastic blogs that shared about Succession before this tour started. Each featured interviews that really asked me to look deeper and were an incredible honor to be featured on:

SHANNON VANNATTER: Part 1 | Part 2 PERSPECTIVE BY PETER

[image error]

Launch Page at JustRead

October 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Fiction Aficionado

October 27
Blooming with Books
Heidi Reads…

October 28
Reading Is My SuperPower
bookworlder
Daughter of Increase

October 29
Adventures of a Travelers Wife
Hallie Reads

October 30
Adventurous Bookworm
Wishful Endings

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a story inspired prize package including:
• One copy of The Gathering Dark and Succession (Winner’s choice print or e-book)
Custom signed bookplates for each if print chosen
• One copy of Wardrobes, Wizards, and Halflings: A Faith in Fiction Devotional (Winner’s choice print or e-book)
• Two pieces of book swag (winner’s choice from bookswag pics)
• Flash Drive with Digital print of previously unreleased The Gathering Dark artwork, MP4 of Quest of Fire’s theme music “Lament for Father” and Digital poster “The Making of Wirgerd” describing the visual and story development of Succession’s monstrous villain!

[image error]

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 26, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Reflecting on Fathers

 

With tomorrow being Father’s Day it has me reflecting on how fathers appear in my stories. One of my favorite lines in Veiled Sun is Grandpa McIntyre remembering his son Alverson who died getting him secret intel on Project Alexandria.

[image error]

When I wrote that I was thinking how no matter how old my little one gets, I’ll always see that in him.

[image error]In other fiction stories, I have to say my favorite father-child relationship is Indiana Jones and his dad in The Last Crusade. The movie is one of each discovering each other and reconciling and has always resonated with me even though I can honestly say I’ve been blessed to never have a serious quarrel with my dad.

Of course my favorite story of a parent and child is the truest story, of God the Father and Christ Jesus the Son looking from eternity past to the moments that demarcate all of mankind’s history and from the Fall to the Cross to the reunion with Him that lasts to the farthest reaches of Eternity to come and finding the price to paid worth it and beginning His Creation. I cannot escape the awe and wonder of such a thing as I consider my own son and my own role as a father.

I hope everyone reading this, whether a father or child, has a blessed and joy filled Father’s Day. If you like, feel free to share your favorite father story, fictional or real.

Some Lessons Learned From My Little One (Part 12)

 

[image error]At night my little one has a night light that projects stars and a crescent moon onto his room’s ceiling. Like most kids–and adults too–he’s not a fan of the dark, so we let him keep a little LED flashlight in his bed. Also like most kids, he does his level best to stretch out the bedtime routine for as long as possible. One night he was shining his flashlight on the ceiling and exclaimed, “The moon disappeared, Daddy!”

I looked up and saw he had shined his flashlight where the moon should have been projected. I explained that it was just his flashlight was much brighter so he couldn’t see the moon. Sensing a teachable science moment I explained that that’s the case for the real moon and the sun. We then went through several rounds of the flashlight sun rising and outshining the stars and moon before setting again. Very cute, a good lesson, and great at accomplishing his mission of delaying sleep onset.

What my little guy couldn’t know was the thoughts the Lord stirred in me while laying there playing the day and night game. The following verse came to me:

“Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life.”

– Philippians 2:14-15, CSB

People in general don’t like the dark, it’s instinctive. The causes for the physical dislike of darkness aren’t so important, because right now we are acutely aware of the spiritual dark we live in. Our world is a dark, dark place. For the most part, American culture and all its trappings does a phenomenal job of closing our eyes to it, but the dark is deep and real. Christians in particular should never lose sight of this, because we’re awaiting the dawn:

“We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”   

– 2 Peter 1:19, CSB

Almost two thousand years ago Christ proclaimed that He is “the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.).” (John 8:14) In Matthew’s Gospel, He also said His followers are lights in this world:

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.”

-Matthew 5:14, CSB

Much like the stars helped to guide navigators, we lead others to Christ and reconciliation with God. And much like the moon, we produce no light ourselves, we merely reflect the light of Him to Whom we have turned. We cannot stop letting that light shine in this darkened world until the True Light returns and brings with Him the dawn.

From everything I’ve read lately, it feels like many of us are getting swept up and pulled to different sides. Different sides of a dozen issues, but often those sides are different sides of the night sky. Politics isn’t our purpose. We are called to stand out and shine distinct against the backdrop. Our love for one another, for our neighbors, and for the One True God should draw the eye of those hungry for light, desperate for a way out of the dark.

Before we can take practical steps to helping others through these particularly turbulent times, we all could use a pause to look and make sure that our eyes are on Christ because when we face Him fully, His light will be reflected in us to others. And where His light and His Spirit are present healing can truly begin. We can’t let divisions in the world around us distract from our common calling and purpose, remembering:

“For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:5, CSB

And

“The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

– Romans 13:12, CSB

 

Some Good Reads

 

[image error]With the year coming to a close soon, I thought I would share some of the books I enjoyed reading or caught my eye this year. And at the end share a bit about some news for my own writing in 2020.

Super Hero Stories:

LAUNCH by Jason Joyner:

I really enjoyed this one. It’s got solid characters, an action-filled plot, and manages to be a good YA, good superhero story, and solid choice for Christian fiction fans. SEE FULL REVIEW

SIX PACK: UPRISING by BW Morris:

After reading the first two in the series, I was excited to see where the story went. This is also a YA superhero tale, and it reads a lot like an arc from Young Justice or Teen Titans. So if you’re a fan of either series I’d recommend it.

Spiritual Thriller:

PARANORMIA by Paul Regnier:

This one was suggested to me at a writing conference and was an experimental read. I’m really glad I tried it out. It’s witty and soulful in equal measures and helps you see beyond circumstances to the forces at work in our world.  SEE FULL REVIEW

FATE OF THE REDEEMED by Chad Pettit:

This book would work as a thriller by any definition, but in particular it captures that desperate, time-is-running-out feeling that keeps you reading cover to cover. That the stakes are not just the present, though those are high enough and you’ll be on the edge of your seat for the protagonists, the eternal component makes it so profound to read.  SEE FULL REVIEW

Science Fiction:

FROZEN SECRETS (EUROPA ACADEMY BOOK 1) by Myles Christenson:

My wife is a middle school teacher so I get to read a lot of books in that age range, but not a lot of sci-fi. This was a real treat. Action, adventure, but with substance. I’m definitely looking forward to book two.  SEE FULL REVIEW

THE SPACE TRILOGY by C.S. Lewis:

How did I get this far in life without ever having read Lewis’s famed Space Trilogy? Great question, and I have no defense. But I did read all three books, and re-read them. As far as I’m concerned they’re literary treasures.

Potpourri:

ZOMBIE TAKEOVER by Michelle Israel Harper:

I’m probably what would be classified as a casual zombie story enthusiast. I’ve seen my share of movies but never got into The Walking Dead. I met the author at a writer’s conference and was surprised to see she had a zombie horror story, so I gave it a try. It was worth it, 100%. This is unexpected and witty and worth reading whether a casual or serious zombie fan.

WHERE YOUR TREASURE LIES by Joel Thimell:

This book blindsided me. I read the first book and enjoyed it, but this one really hit me hard. As a completion of the arc set up in book one it is phenomenal. It’s spiritually and emotionally impactful and definitely one of my favorite reads.  SEE FULL REVIEW

THE KINGDOM TO COME: A GREAT LIGHT by Jennifer Ball:

I’ve got a soft spot for epic fantasy, but having read a variety of it means having seen quite a bit. This book succeeded in surprising me and in a good way. I honestly didn’t see the major turn a third of the way in and it had me hooked till the end.  SEE FULL REVIEW

THE STAFF AND THE SWORD TRILOGY by Patrick Carr:

I started reading book one as research for what fans of Christian epic fantasy would expect as I completed edits to The Gathering Dark. I finished all three because the story was so engrossing.

 

On My TBR Stack:

MILLIE’S CHRISTMAS by Kathy McKinsey:

I know Christmas is past for this year, but my little guy still is reading Christmas books and this one looks promising. The author has been an editor for me on The Gathering Dark and is phenomenal! Good writer + Christ focused Christmas story + cat = a winning children’s book. I’ll probably post a review soon after reading so check back on it later as well.

MYSTICAL GREENWOOD by Andrew McDowell:

From the premise it sounds like this has all the classic elements of a solid fantasy story, but the reviews make it clear there’s something special to it. I’m looking forward to digging into it.

MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan Busse:

In Christian fiction circles it’s hard to go very long without hearing Morgan Busse’s name attached to a long list of compliments and recommendations. I read the start of her other fantasy series Daughter of Light and thought I should try this one as well. It’s won several awards and is definitely epic fantasy, so I’m really looking forward to this one.

 

Of course, I had two books release this year, both of which I’m very proud of:

QUEST OF FIRE: THE GATHERING DARK

WARDROBES, WIZARDS, AND HALFLINGS: A FAITH IN FICTION DEVOTIONAL

If the Lord wills, then 2020 could be an equally big year with a couple books I’m really excited about:

[image error]VEILED SUN (January 21, 2020):

Day Moon‘s sequel has been long in coming, but is better for it. Here’s a bit about it:

Seventeen-year-old Elliott knows Project Alexandria is rewriting history. It daily shapes his world around its sinister goals. To stop it, he must assemble his grandfather’s program, the “Veiled Sun”. The authorities are after him and his allies are outlaw hackers almost as dark as Project Alexandria. Worst, reality’s fate is one betrayal away from disaster, and the knife is wielded by those he loves.

 

[image error]

A LIGHT UNDIMMED (TBA 2020):

This is my long promised companion novella for Destitutio Quod Remissio. I characterized it at one time as deep state in ancient Rome, but it’s a lot more than that. It’s a deep story of three men striving to find the Way in the midst of harrowing persecution and personal failures. One is a coward, one a traitor, another a spy, and thousands of lives hinge on how they choose to let their lights shine in the dark.

Some Lessons Learned From My Little One (Part 11)

 

Every so often I feel like I have moments where something I thought I understood suddenly becomes so much more. Not just clearer, but more profound, important. As is the case for the past couple years, my epiphany has to do with my little one.

[image error]Most mornings there’s a certain amount of frenetic energy. Some mornings frenetic intensifies to frantic. Somehow with the same set of timelines for getting ready every day, I manage to pull a Back to the Future and cut things down to the wire.

Sometimes it isn’t my fault. Getting two people ready is indeed much harder than one, particularly when one is a preschooler. Varyingly my little one is an obstacle to readiness, passive observer to getting ready, or checked out altogether. Which I can understand, he’s a preschooler

What complicates things is that my stress level increases exponentially as our lateness grows, compounded by his resistance to doing what needs to be done. One morning though, he flipped all of that on its head.

[image error]One of the bingo boards being reached for.

We had reached that inflection point where we needed to go from hurry-out to sprint-to-the-car. My little one made his way to the car calmly, asking questions about this and that like normal. I tried to deflect them and remind him we needed to hurry. Open the door. Lift inside. Buckle up. As I was trying to buckle him in I had to stop. He was reaching for his trip bingo boards across the car.  To put it into context, he loves those things and regularly does them even for very short trips. He also regularly ignores me when I tell him to sit back and let me buckle him up, no matter how often I assure that I’ll get them for him.

I reminded him again of this even as I was queuing up my well-used lecture on listening to parents. Then it happened.

“Okay, Daddy,” he said and sat back.

I took a beat to process what just happened. Buckled him in, got his bingo boards and then hugged him. It might have been a top 10 proud moments type thing. He had listened and did what I asked. He trusted I knew best and would take care of him. And he shamed me.

Not because I had doubted him. His past behavior had well seeded my expectations. I was ashamed because maybe for the first time in my life I really got the verse:

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’”  –– 1 Samuel 15:22, ESV

That swell of euphoric pride I had, I suddenly imagined God’s pride as our Heavenly Father when we actually do what He asks of us. Unlike me, He’s all-knowing, so it doesn’t carry the same note of surprise. But the pleasure, the, “He finally listened!” victory parade in my heart? I can imagine that’s the same.

My shame also doubled. Because when I tell my son to get in the car, the stakes are low. We get to school on time, or we don’t. Not life changing. But when God tells me to do something, it is important. Every choice is a life-changing event, because each decision to obey is allowing God to mold me more in the likeness of His Son. To shape me into a vessel that can be useful for changing the lives of others.

So many times, I let my bingo boards–things I think I need and want–delivered immediately. “No, God I can’t do that until I have this!” Where it seems literally anything can be the “this” debilitating me to do God’s “that”. It always bears repeating God knows everything far better than I do:

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  — Isaiah 55:9, ESV

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”   — 1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV

Just as I see a much bigger picture than my son. If nothing motivates me to obey in terms of life playing out more smoothly–I trip over my own intentions often enough–then knowing now the incredible joy and pleasure that comes from the trust and obedience from my son, I long to make my heavenly Father feel the same of me.

History of the Ords – Origins (Quest of Fire Friday)

[image error]The routes taken by Ordumair I and Orthall II from their people’s chief city of Aaegen to the slopes of Mawrmynydd, later renamed Fior-struthain.

In the 905th year of the Middle Era, the painted warriors of the north, or the Bogiáboreia, colluded into a motley group under a chieftain of meager authority.  His name was Orthall, and he had twin sons who proved to be equally capable prospects for assuming rule of their people at the end of Orthall’s life.  One, Orthall II, was a great archer and a skilled poet; he beguiled the hearts of his people through stirring accounts of battles and the heroes who won them for the tribes.  Ordumair, was, on the other hand, a capable wielder of the sword and a great speaker.  The two were seldom of one accord from their birth on.

Orthall I’s life was one of struggle.  He constantly was at war with not only outside bands of men but faced the continual possibility of dissolution of his people as the traditional tribal elders squabbled.  If he was to preserve the unity of the tribes, he had to name his successor and do so in such manner that none could question his decision.

Unable to make the choice between his beloved children, and being unwilling to see the nation he had spent his life forging splinter over their rivalry; he chose to offer his sons a challenge.  The heart of the dwarfs growing territory lay a few miles south of a massive peak called Mawrmynydd. None of the Bogiáboreia had ever reached the mount’s summit. The nearest to accomplishing this feat had been Orthall I himself, who had planted his banner at a lower peak in his youth.  In seeking a challenge to prove which son should rule, Orthall I decided the son who reached the flag, claimed it, and planted his own would become the next Chieftain.

Each brother set out in complete confidence of his own impending success.  Orthall II, being more prudent and patient climbed the same path, from the Northeast, their father had taken.

Ordumair, more daring and adventurous, chose to climb the treacherous, but quicker Southern route.  The decision proved to be a perilous one.  The ascent past the half way point of the trek took all the day’s light to accomplish and in the night a terrible storm ravaged the mountainside.  The sheer sides and jagged outcroppings which allowed a direct, if dangerous, climb in the bright hours of day, now appeared certain signs of doom for him.  The squall turned icy and soon the young dwarf found himself freezing, trapped where he was.

The wind howled mercilessly and into its roaring he cried out for aid from anyone who could save him from the grisly and frigid fate that awaited him.  In the midst of the icy squalor he heard a voice call out to him.  Sweet as honey, more fierce than the storm. Ordumair was told to look ahead to an alcove that had appeared only a shallow depression in the mountain side.  Within it he could weather the storm and survive to emerge victorious in the contest.

Ordumair fell upon this opportunity with little question.  He struggled through the drifts of snow and rock to the alcove, which proved to be a passage into the heart of the mountain.  Within he discovered a phenomenal peculiarity.  In the midst of a wide chamber, at the end of the tunnel in the mountain, was a spring.

Ordumair could feel the heat radiating from the spray which bubbled gently from somewhere deeper within the mountain.  The dwarf quickly submersed himself within the frothy, churning waters.  The hot spring within the mountain thus kept his body warm and soothed the aches and injuries of the treacherous climb.  When at last he felt himself thoroughly invigorated, he climbed out of the life-saving pool to rest.  In the morning’s pale light, he was able to see clearly enough the truly unique attribute of the chamber to be its duality.

A second collection of water, this one from a gentle trickle somewhere above, had created a pool which shimmered slightly even in the feeble glow entering the room.  He drank deeply from the collected waters and discovered them to be cool and refreshing.  Ordumair found his strength returning to him, and ventured out of the precious cavern.

Without, the storm had passed, and Ordumair could see clearly the way he must take to reach his goal.  Fueled by the discovery of the fountain, he surged forward and came to claim the coveted marker.  He affixed his own still higher and rushed back down to deliver it to his father.

Upon his arrival at his father’s manor in Aaegen (a village that had long been ruled by Orthall’s ancestors), Ordumair’s father proclaimed him his successor and the next Chieftain of the tribes.  Orthall II returned some days later and reluctantly accepted the outcome.

The night following Ordumair’s accession to the place of Chieftain, he had a dream, a vision in fact, of himself wearing armor which burned like the sun even though he stood in the midst of a great darkness.  He bore a sword, unlike any he had ever seen before, which spoke searing words of wisdom to him.  When the dream occurred three more times, he awoke early that morn to seek out amongst his people one who could explain the scene which came to him that night.  None could.  Only a foreigner, a Knight from the land of Ecthelowall offered its source. He told Ordumair of the High King of All, and showed him the fiery implements of his Order.

Astonished, the dwarf withdrew from the Knight to contemplate all he had learned.  It was then he received the vision of the High King, whose voice was sweet like honey, but more fierce than any storm.  That day Chief Ordumair I pledged his fealty and the unending support of his people to the High King.  He became a Knight, and under the tutelage of the Knight Errant from Ecthelowall, led his people on to become zealous servants of the High King.

His people prospered, and their borders expanded greatly.  At the closing of Ordumair’s life, he began construction of a town at the base of the mountain he had climbed in his youth.  He created a modest hall for Knights within the cavern bearing the two pools and lavishly adorned it with ornately carved fountain’s to hold their waters. He renamed the mountain Fior-sruthain, “pure streams”.

[image error]Statue of Ambiorix, who looks much as I imagine Chief Ordumair I of the Bogiáboreia, or Ords as they’re known by the events of the Quest of Fire saga’s start.