The Lost City of Ureh

The Legend of Ureh

The following has been reprinted from Zorun Tzin's "The Elder Race; Legends of the Elves" with permission by the author. Considered the authoritative text by most scholars, any inaccuracies are a result of mistranslation.

"....As is universal among the diverse peoples of the world, nearly all of the Ser'aphim's tales hold some greater meaning, a message meant to be transferred across generations, to be clear evidence and demonstration of the validity of the culture's virtues. As such, a vigilant researcher of Elven Legends may spot several recurring themes: Faith, both in Lord and in God; A clear understanding of right and wrong; Intelligence; And the stalwart allegiance to The Light and all that is good, known to the Elves as "The Mantle".

Perhaps the best tale, and the most well known outside of the Ahdsurian Isles, is the story of the trials and tribulations of Saint Juris Khan during the siege of the city of Ureh at the height of the just as legendary "Gods War". The wary reader will be able to discern several virtues from this grand tale.

Though it would be fool hardy to retell the entire thirteen part tale in this humble book, I have seen to add the dramatic conclusion to this Legend.

Translated from the original Elven, it follows as such--

'Being the Twelfth week of the second year since the initiation of the wayward servants of darkness' vile attempt to rend the world free of Order, the most wise Juris Khan gazed, with never a hint of weariness, upon his grand city.

Though the city's inhabitants faced endless assault upon both body and mind, ever did they move about their tasks, finding quiet acceptance in their humble place; whether it be simply tending to the fields under the soft guidance of Chauntea or fending off each and every attempt by the dark horde to tear asunder the walls of Ureh, each was satisfied in their place.

Even mighty Juris knew his task; and able as he was in it, he knew the truth.

Though all equally strove towards the daunting task they faced, Juris could see that it could never be enough. Ever slowly did this vast horde find victory--that, eventually, even the combined effort of his stalwart people might fall.

It is with this haunting knowledge that he rested, the last sight he knew that day the darkened sky above.

And in his dreams came the answer.

The Even-Handed and the Pure Flame appeared to Juris, awash in splendid light.Author's Note:These titles are commonly attributed to Tyr and Kossuth. After great deliberation, the Lord of Justice found that, through their many trials, he and the great people of Ureh had proven themselves worthy of the greatest praise. They had turned aside the most vile temptations of darkness, following to the letter the truths of Order, Justice, and Light. They were the most stalwart beholders of The Mantle--and thus, they would be rewarded.

The Lords set, then, a task for Juris. A ritual, involving the most powerful magicks that the world could know--a ritual, that, upon completion, would grant them salvation from the wasting plague set upon them by the Queen of Darkness, and allow them access to true immortality. They would join the Lords of Light in their heavens once more.

Juris immediately consulted with his two closest associates, and the most skilled in the kingdom with magic other than he; High-Priest Balal and Arch-Mage Gregus Mazi.

For nearly a year did they prepare such a grand spell, working all hours of the day and night,until finally the daunting task had been completed.

Juris gathered the greatest spell weavers of the kingdom to his palace, and began the long ceremony.

And yet, even then did evil strike. Consumed by madness and greed, tainted by the foul beasts that sought to claim the land, Gregus Mazi broke from the spell and slew the High-Priest.

This move very nearly threw the spell into chaos-- but the treachery was revealed, and the spell adjusted. Gregus was imprisoned, and doomed by Juris to face the most terrible punishment--abandonment upon their ascension to heaven.

Having overcome the final trial set against him, Juris finished the spell; and a great wave of pure energy burst from the kingdom, tearing the enemy asunder; and Juris and the faithful protectors of Ureh , the most holy champions of Light, ascended into the glorious heavens of the Gods.'

In short, it became lost when Pat set foot on it.