[Mithadan]

Mithadan swam in dark dreams of terror. Voices spoke in the midst of images of evil, cajoling him, making promises, and seeking to compel him to accept a role in great deeds. His dreams roamed through visions of fire and smoke into which were woven images of him assuming a mantle of great power allowing him to order the world as he saw fit. "You will be our greatest servant, and to you will be bestowed the greatest gifts and power; none may withstand your hand or your sword..."

The sword... Among the images of evil and chaos came another vision, clearer than the others. A man stood on bright shores under a blue sky. His foot rested on a gangway to a fine ship and he wept openly. Many fair people stood before him. He somehow recognized many of these persons... there were Elrond, and Galadriel with Celeborn, and Pengoldh and an old man dressed in white robes. From the waters next to the ship rose another figure dressed in silver mail like the scales of fish and a cloak of mixed colors of white, grey, green and blue. A mist was wrapped about him through which the sun shone creating rainbows on all assembled. And though Mithadan could not hear the words, he knew the watery figure was giving his blessings to the man and his house. Resting a hand on the man's head, the figure held out the other in which was grasped the hilts of a sword on which many runes were written. In its pommel was set a single great pearl. The man placed a hand on the pearl and raised the other to the West. His mouth moved and he bowed his head as if he made some pledge to the Lord of the Waters and the West. With a smile, the figure set the hilts in the hands of the man and the pearl glowed bright as the Lord of the Waters sank again into the sea...

The vision disappeared and was replaced with the dark dreams and voices. Within Mithadan's head the pressure grew greater. He shifted restlessly and his hand slipped to his side and touched something cold and round. He made his decision...

He woke in a strange vessel. Above him stood a man clad all in blue. Mithadan's hand rested on the pommel of the ancient sword. He rose with a face both grim and fierce. The figure beside him said "Arise Lord Mithadan. Great deeds lie ahead and it is now time to earn your rewards. See! We have a guest for you to welcome."

Mithadan turned and saw a small, bedraggled figure huddled on the floor. He nudged it with the toe of his boot and, with a toothy smile said, "Hello Rose. Welcome to the beginning of a new age."