Years of the Covenant: Part 12 (Incomplete)

Six months had passed since the assassination of Estyn Cauth. Since then, few light dwellers had wandered onto the Shadow Plane, even fewer had chosen to meddle in Covenant affairs. Silious Roh had certainly gained favor with the Presiding Night in executing that mission, but caused further tension with members amongst the Council of the Eclipse. And Darrien Hoss had continued serving Master Roh diligently while continuously training Vannolyn Ildess as he’d done for so long.1

On this day, Vannolyn Ildess had no other obligation than to train with some of the new initiates stationed at Nightwatch. Given that this had been completed hours before, the day was surely his to do with as he wished. Upon request, Silious granted him the papers he required to access the Covenant Archives. For Vannolyn was still adamant and determined to uncover the secret behind what had saved his life deep in the bowels of Nightcrawler Chasm so long ago.2

The archives were located down in the lower levels of the Covenant Citadel, kept under lock and key. However, given how vast the collections had become, it should’ve been considered a library. Vannolyn had been stopped by two checkpoints before he had even reached the corridor leading to the archives. A single shadar-kai male, watered and aged, sat at a desk standing between the young drow and the entrance, working through stacks of papers.3

“What is your business?” he asked in a voice suggesting that Vannolyn was just another petty annoyance.4

“I’m here on behalf of Master Roh of Nightwatch.” Vannolyn stated clearly.5

He peered up from behind a pair of frail spectacles, and lightly shook his head. He sighed, “I wonder what that pesky old human is up to this time…” Giving the papers a once over he waved Vannolyn by, “No matter, go on ahead.”6

As he opened the doors, several floors and hundreds of shelves of books lined the walls and columns at the center. He spotted several attendants directing other Nightshaders towards collections of scrolls and books, helping them find what they sought.7

“Excuse me sir, how might I help you?” A dark one suddenly appeared at Vannolyn’s left, startling him.8

“Yes,” he answered “Can you direct me section on drow myths?”9

“Certainly, right this way.” the dark one answered in that unisexual voice, typical of its race. They ascended three flights of stairs and made their way towards the north wall. The dark one scaled a ladder, picked his way through dozens of volumes, and came back with a very tall stack of books. It continued this several times, coming back with more books and scrolls as well.10

For hours Vannolyn poured through one volume after the next, learning everything from the formation of the Underdark to the great betrayal of the goddess Lady Lloth. Still, nothing gave him hope; nothing was giving him any insight into what he sought. There had to be something written down in history about this black sword.11

“I do not scorn my father for passing judgment upon us, his love and kin. For the betterment of the Seldarine, and all the Gods alike, I take my exile in peace. I fear that the hatred my mother bares towards my father will never fade, and will only cease to be when the end of days comes. All I can do is pray that the evil that has taken hold of her my brother will one day fade.12

And so I weep. I weep a thousand tears, and a thousand more, in hopes that they will touch the lives of my children, and change the course of history for mortal and celestial alike. One day father, I will return to Arvandor…”13