The Mountain of the Burning Bear

When the Sun was about to reach its greatest point on its never-ending path set within the sky. Dalanus did lead the final assault, surrounded by the best of his warriors who carried axes and spears of crude design. Yet the narrows of the peak initially frustrated his hopes, and he did lose many a fierce warrior to its treacheries. Battle was joined and grew to a point more terrible than before, and still the forces of Fanalain did fall one by one, each felling many warriors before succumbing to their countless wounds. Order fell in all places but one, where the shrine of Arathmus did reside and this did send hope to the accompaniment of heroes that now bled for its survival.

Fanalain now knew the end was nigh for his glorious army, and also that he would never reach Dalanus for duel to settle their disputes. For the first time was his helmet removed and his blonde hair did not disguise his sadness at failure. Thus did he kneel at the shrine and his tears did fall upon its sacred rocks and Arathmus was beseeched for the last time to give aid. And Arathmus, in his might, came to the calling of his champion.

At first, the sound of a great storm approached and the warriors continued their fight in steel and wood. But Dalanus did understand the omen well and he fled away from the battle, fearing the wrath of his old master. And light did fall around the shrine and the cults of the unbelievers were thrown away by the mere power of air and behold; Arathmus with uncountable angels were present upon the summit of the Burning Bear. And pleased was he with the loyalty of those who still stood but rage filled his heart and he commanded fire. Fire did indeed come and the barbarians and cursed warriors did fall unto ash at its touch. Indeed the mountain did take its name from the power of his touch that day and it still holds it in the memory of all.

But where Arathmus could manifest himself in physical form, so could Danthanar, the first fallen and the great deceiver. Dalanus did call him forward and triumph or tragedy was set to happen on the rocky slopes now stained with ash. Danthanar did unsummon the great fires, for he alone of all beings is equal to Arathmus, and then the divine forces met in great battle above the heads of men. No mortal war remained for all were awe struck at the spectacle. Dark angels did battle with angels of Arathmus among the clouds in duels incomprehensible to men. Fire was sent and returned as was lightning and thunder in great amounts. And many fell, both of the light and of the dark to the ground, leaving their bodies and fleeing the spectacle to the safety of their eternal homes.

Yet the men noticed this little for their eyes were transfixed upon the duel between devil and god, Danthanar and Arathmus. Both used steel of impossible hue and brightness in their struggle and it raged across the sky for the day and night. Their weapons moved as one mind, and the harmony of stalemate lasted for many an attack. But Arathmus had stayed within the light unlike his counterpart and his mind considered not fear in his skill. Danthanar could not escape his fear and slowly was driven back in the dead of night. All angels now did watch the epic confrontation and Danthanar only once give into his fear but give in he did.