[ TT ] How the shadows came alive

“ In the third day of the ninth month of the... ” 
 
 Harrison paused his recitation to rub his eyes before starting again. The candles were too bright. 
 
 “ In the third day of the ninth month of the thirtieth year we stood against the Darke Kind. We marched under the banners of the United Realms to face our foe - ” 
 
 “ Deadly foe, ” corrected the scribe without looking up from his work. At this time of day the library was a cool, refreshing place to be. There were hundreds of scholars who had conveniently found and excuse to be loitering around in the candlelight. It should n't bother Harrison, during his initiation he was going to have to recite the History in front of an audience anyway, but their interruptions were infuriating. Gritting his teeth he let his temper subside before continuing. 
 
 “ To face our deadly foe. With the battle lines drawn we had naught to do but wait for the signal to charge. It was in that moment that Valoren, Champion of the Realms, Beacon of Eternal Light, unleashed the Power. 
 
 “ The battlefield was lit as if it was day. The Darke Kind drew back and our army, sensing Final Victory, broke ranks and charged. This was a mistake. ” 
 
 Harrison glanced down at his notes. A few people sniggered. 
 
 “ This was Valoren's Mistake, for he had unleashed the Power too early. Jinrak, the Darke Kind personified, took to the field himself and slaughtered thirty score men. Varloren met him in single combat and was Victorious, but around him the Armies of the United Realms had broken. The Darke Kind slaughtered all as if they were... were cattle. ” 
 
 The scribe tutted at his repetition. The Liturgy of Valoren's Mistake was to be said in a loud, clear voice. Only then would the mortal races be able to admit that even Gods erred and remember that the forces of Jinrak were fallible too. If one God could be beaten then surely another could fall. This small fact, this tiny shred of hope, was what held the United Realms together. Perhaps if the right person could do the right thing then Jinrak could be defeated. 
 
 After the pause, the respectful pause for the memories of the dead, Harrison looked up again. 
 
 “ And now the Darke Kind rule our land. We light candles to keep them away, we sleep in the sun when it is safe and we prepare to fight again. This is how the Shadows came alive. ” 
 
 Finishing the Liturgy, Harrison groaned, feeling the knots in his back tighten as he stretched. The few scholars who had been listening grew disinterested and drifted away. When he thought they were gone Harrison lit another candle fixed his eyes on it. 
 
 “ In the third day of the ninth month of the thirtieth year we stood against the Darke Kind... ”
