Record Data

Also known as: 2nd Epoch
Estimated time: 275,000-250,000 yrs

Record Details

The Vision

Between 275,000 and 250,000 years ago, the Entity created the Ancients, an intelligent species susceptible to death only through physical trauma. For hundreds of years, the Entity lived amongst his creation, teaching them to farm, fish, and hunt. Under His tutelage, the early Ancients learned to take only what they needed for survival. As the population grew, and the people became more independent, the Entity took His leave of the Ancients and rested.

Overtime, the Ancients developed a complex language based on sound called Onkanta, which became increasingly more complex as the tribes moved further away from one another. Within a hundred years, regional differences resulted in a confusing language difference amongst the seven tribes. Feeling responsible for leaving His creation too early, the Entity intervened to assist them in creating a universal language.

For two-thousand years, The Entity watched His creation dwell in confusion. He pitied them and so intervened on their behalves. To each Sage He appeared in dreams and summoned them to an astral world. He granted them the ability to understand one another, and they expressed their gratitude to Him in songs of praise.

“What of us, oh Lord, do You request?” they shouted in unison.

The Entity raised his hand to the sky, and each Sage fell to his knees.

“Set right the confusion of your people, so that all might understand and love his neighbor. Do this in honor of all I have given you, and build your families a palace where they may all reside in peace until the end of days.”

Sxgreo-Ian scrambled to his feet. “This we shall do for You, my Lord!”

“Sxgreo-Ian, my first son, on earth you shall oversee My will.”

Sxgreo-Ian tore his shirt and fell to his knees. “Oh Lord! Your will be done!” he cried, crawling to the Entity’s feet.

The Entity rested his palm on Sxgreo-Ian’s forehead and said, “My children, of you I take My leave, and you shall not see Me again until the sun sets upon the first day of unification. On nightfall of the second day, I shall reward you with the fruits of your labor.”

“Oh yes Lord, for You we shall complete this task!”

The Sages rose to their knees and prayed to the Entity as He turned and disappeared over the horizon. They prayed quietly for hours, each swelling with pride and devotion for He who would trust them to enact His holy will. Finally, Sxgreo-Ian stood and broke the silence.

“Brothers! Let us honor Him with a courtyard of trees and water; let us convey our love for Him with gifts of what he has given us. Surrounding this courtyard will be homes for every man, woman, and child. In his name, let us proceed!”

The Sages nodded in excitement.

“Brother Sxgreo-Ian, who oversees His holy will, when and where shall we begin?” asked Lur-Ian.

“I say we build at the southern waters, for there we shall find unlimited resources.” said Aisora-Ian.

“The mountains will provide us with protection!” Raja-Ian exclaimed.

“Enough! He has willed His voice to me, and I shall make the decision.” said Sxgreo-Ian. “Let us build center to our people, so that we may show the Entity that we are equal in His holy eyes. To Dominica Valley, we shall lead our people there in six month’s time. Does this please the Sages?”

The Sages nodded in agreement.

“The cock is crowing, and our paths must part; may the Entity watch over you.”

The Journey

As with the other Sages, Lur-Ian flew from his bed, eager to relay the Entity’s message to his people. As expected, his people were overjoyed with enthusiasm for the proposed palace, and plans were made to harvest four months worth of resources—just enough to reach Dominica Valley. Nearing the end of the second month, Lur-Ian gathered his tribe of seven-hundred and led them into the wilderness; they would arrive early and establish camp, so as to be well rested and prepared for construction.

Five weeks into the journey, Lur-Ian’s tribe met with misfortune when they encountered a powerful storm making landfall off the western coast. The storm swept up the ocean and forests, plunging the land into disarray. Two-hundred and thirty-eight were lost and buried in the subsequent wastelands.
Finally, after fifteen weeks of traveling, three-hundred and ninety-two of seven-hundred Ancients reached Dominica Valley, where they found themselves met by Raja-Ian and his tribe of eight-hundred.

Lur-Ian embraced his brother. “Raja-Ian, my brother, I am surprised to find you here before I.”

Raja-Ian laughed and embraced Lur-Ian tightly.

“Brother, I too am surprised to see you! Our supplies were limited, and we were forced come sooner. What brings you here ahead of schedule?”
“We wished to establish camp and rest in preparation for construction that lies ahead, though it worked not in our favor.”

“My brother, I sense sadness in your heart. Tell me, what troubles you?”

“The ocean’s rage took three-hundred of my people.”

“This was a storm?”

“No, it was much more. Forests were flattened and mountains were thrown into the black sea. The northern lands were completely obliterated. There is no going home for us; the path between Dominica Valley and our home is severed.”

“Perhaps this is a test of your faith?”

“I wish it would be so, but I saw it in the eye.”

“The eye of the storm?”

“No, a beast within the eye; I saw it.”

“Lur-Ian, what did you see?”

“The Urkatten!”

Raja-Ian stared into Lur-Ian’s tired eyes; he felt pain in his brother’s words and embraced him. Lur-Ian shivered and choked as he whispered, over and over, “Urkatten! Urkatten! Urkatten!”

“Lur-Ian, my brother, you are tired from such a journey. Please, please rest in my hut. I shall tend to your people’s needs. Here they will stay with us, and we shall eat, hunt, and sing together. I shall look over them as you rest. We shall discuss this Urkatten at sunrise.”

Sunrise came and Lur-Ian seemed like a new man. He was invigorated with the task at hand, and ordered his people to expand the camp. The night before seemed like it was a thousand years ago, and Raja-Ian encouraged the tribes to look towards the new dawn. As for Lur-Ian, he never again mentioned the word Urkatten, and Raja-Ian never asked.

Within a week’s time, four more tribes arrived with a combined total of two-thousand strong. With the exception of Aisora-Ian, the other Sages agreed to wait for Sxgreo-Ian to arrive. Aisora-Ian instead took three-hundred and fifty men to the southern waters. It is said that there Aisora-Ian constructed the city of Ys, but it was destroyed by misfortune.

With Aisora-Ian’s departure, morale lessened amongst the tribes, and the five Sages became increasingly concerned about the dwindling resources required to keep their people happy. It was too late for farming; within a few months the weather would begin to cool drastically. They would soon be forced with the decision to follow animal migration patterns southwards, into the warmer areas, or to stay and wait for Sxgreo-Ian and his people to arrive. They agreed at sunrise to move southeast, towards Sxgreo-Ian’s homeland in hopes of finding him. The people were pleased with the decision, and were reinvigorated. That night, they dreamed of the great palace and its courtyard, flourishing with their favorite fruits and vegetables. They would live there, forever, and give praise to the Entity for His gifts.

The horizon exploded in a fantastic display of colors, and the Ancients rose to their feet, rejuvenated. They gathered up their belongings, and lead by the Sages, began the long trek towards Sxgreo-Ian’s homeland.

The days grew shorter and the northern breeze became more and more familiar. As resources dwindled, an animosity formed over the travelers, and the Sages found themselves settling disputes on a routine basis. They knew that within a week’s time, if they had not located Sxgreo-Ian, then they would be forced to travel only southwards in hopes of delaying the inevitable break in their people’s morale.

On the morning of the ninth week, they reached the Hills of Xylos. The air was unusually still, and the sky was decorated with pink, red, and blue ribbons. The Sages requested their people stop to rest, and that they would go forward over the hilltops in sign of hope. To keep the people satisfied, a promise was made that if the Sages found nothing, then they would abandon the search for Sxgreo-Ian and move south.

The people waited patiently as morning became noon, and noon became dusk. The Sages returned an hour after the sun crept over the horizon. As with the other Sages, Lur-Ian took his followers to the side and relayed his findings:

“My people, we have but six hours to the nearest encampment. In the valley of Xylos, we saw the foundation of a great building and heard the cries of working men. This could be none other than Sxgreo-Ian and his tribe. I have spoken with my brothers, and we decided to waste no more time. Let us leave for this encampment tonight in search of water, food, and good company.”

The people were weary, but the thought of clean water and a place of rest gave them the strength to pack up their belongings and follow the Sages through the darkened hills. Anxious to reach their destination, they climbed and traveled at a much faster pace than the Sages anticipated. Early within the fifth hour, they reached the summit of a hill leading down into a valley. It was there they saw great fires casting shadows of an enormous building across the countryside.

Raja-Ian stood at the hillside and threw is arms in the air, and his people shouted to the encampment. Within moments, a horn responded, and people from the encampment began rushing up the hillside to meet their brothers and sisters. They all descended to the hill’s base where they received water for drinking and bathing; it was here the Sages met Sxgreo-Ian.

“My Sages!” he shouted. Sxgreo-Ian approached them with his arms wide open as if he were anticipating a hearty embrace. “I knew you would come! The Entity foretold your arrival, yet I count only five.”

“Aisora-Ian left us when you failed to arrive at our agreed upon location.” said Raja Ian. “What are you doing here, Sxgreo-Ian? Had you forgotten your promise to Him?”

Sxgreo-Ian nervously stepped back as the Sages stepped forward. He could see confusion and frustration in their faces.
“My Sages, what troubles you?” asked Sxgreo-Ian.

“We are His Sages, Sxgreo-Ian, not yours.” said Lur-Ian. “We are troubled by your absence and your demeanor. Has your ego grown so large that you would forget your brothers?”

“My Sages, in His absence, He has entrusted me with the power to act on His behalf. His will is divine. All He commands of me I command of others. We are one, my Sages. I ask of you to trust me on behalf of our Lord. To question my authority is to question His will.”

“Sxgreo-Ian, we do not question His will!” shouted Raja-Ian.

“When you question my will, then you question His will. You may find yourself confused by my absence, but I find myself concerned with your lack of commitment to His request. In your absence, I have been building Zygan Eue, the great palace of the Ancients. Remember, my Sages, when He returns He promised to reward us with the fruits of our labor.”

Sxgreo-Ian thrust his hand into the air and the workers chanted praises in his name, and in the name of the Entity. The Sages trembled and threw themselves before his feet begging him to forgive their indiscretion. Sxgreo-Ian was especially considerate of Lur-Ian’s apology and requested he stand.

“Lur-Ian, my Sage. You questioned your leader, and still found the courage to beg his forgiveness. I award you power over men. See that Zygan Eue’s completion is carried out; this is my will.”

“Your will?”

Sxgreo-Ian smiled and clapped his hands together.

“Return to work, immediately! Sages, tell your men to pick up shovels and picks. If there are none, then they will use their hands. Dig at the dirt, lift the rocks, and chisel them to perfection. Build Zygan Eue to the stars, so that we might be with our Lord!”

Zygan Eue

As years passed Zygan Eue grew with Sxgreo-Ian’s ego. Once the Ancients dreamed of paradise, a reflection of the Entity’s greatest creations. Now, they curse every rock in Zygan Eue. They cursed their pitiful existence. They cursed the Entity for giving them Sxgreo-Ian. They cursed Sxgreo-Ian for giving them Zygan Eue.

Thousands of years passed, and the Sages found comfort in their new way of life. They prided themselves in all their accomplishments. The people were united in servitude and Zygan Eue was nearing completion. Even language became uniform; Lur-Ian outlawed use of Onkanta, stating its use was punishable by death. To the people he assigned instructors of Nu Onkanta, the language of Sxgreo-Ian’s homeland.

Having fulfilled the will of the Entity, the Sages ordered the completion of Zygan Eue with nine-hundred and ninety-nine large steps leading upwards to Zygan Eue’s summit. At the top, seven chambers were constructed—one for each Sage, and one for the Entity. With the final stone in place, the Sages ordered a great feast be prepared for His return.

The sky darkened, and the people became riled with anticipation for their Lord’s coming. They began shouting praises in his name, dancing, and feasting. As the shadow of night crept over the land, the Sages rested in their respective thrones, anxiously awaiting his coming.

Zygan Eue burned like a star in the night’s sky as Eihydia was plunged into darkness. In the shadows of the great steps, they could see an ascending figure, and in their hearts they knew it was their Lord. The people fell to their knees shouting praises in His name; the Sages rose from their thrones and knelt before him as he reached the summit.

“Our Lord has returned! We ask You bless Zygan Eue, Your home, and all that we have accomplished in Your holy name.” they said in unison.

The air grew still as the Entity surveyed the landscape from atop that mountain. He turned and looked back at the stairs from which he had ascended. He looked over his creations, kneeling before Him, anxiously awaiting His approval. After several minutes, He broke the silence.

“I thirst,” He said.

Sxgreo-Ian lept up and snatched a young female servant by her hair and threw her before the Entity.

“Emarin-Ian, have our Lord’s words fallen upon deaf ears? Go and fetch Him water from the river!”

As the Entity watched her crawl to the steps and begin her slow descent, the others rose and began shouting praises in His name.  The Sages laughed and congratulated one another on all their accomplishments, and of their people, they demanded singing, dancing, and feasting in light of this great occasion. Sxgreo-Ian guided the Entity to His throne; He sat in deep thought, watching Emarin-Ian until she disappeared from His sight.

Emarin-Ian reached the ground shortly after nightfall. Above, she could see the faint glow of fire rise above Zygan Eue. From here, it would be one full day before she would return with water from the river. She took comfort in knowing the fires of celebration for her Lord would guide her safe return to His loving embrace.

She had fetched water from the river countless times over the last nine-thousand years; the night would not impede her travel. In the distance, she could hear the songs of Zygan Eue, and she sang them to keep herself company along the way.

She reached the riverbank by dawn, and sat by its side to rest. She dipped her cup into the river, and filled it to the brim just as the Sun broke over the horizon. Like a fading memory, Zygan Eue seemed so distant; it was as if this was how life was supposed to be.

She shattered her reflection by running her fingers through the cool water. She rose to her feet and turned back towards Zygan Eue. In the distance, she could see it towering over the forests as if it were a boil upon the earth’s back. With a heavy sigh, she began the long trek back to Zygan Eue, carrying the Entity’s cup in both hands.

It was shortly after nightfall when Emarin-Ian reached the palace steps. She could see the fires of celebration erupting overhead, and she heard the familiar songs echoing in her ears. Carefully, she ascended the steps, so as not to spill the sweet water she collected for the Entity.

When she was no more than ten steps to the summit, she set the cup down and collapsed. The celebration stopped, and the Entity rose from his chair, looking upon her frail and tired body. Sxgreo-Ian rushed down to her and began whipping her backside with a long wooden reed.
“Rise! Rise cow! Rise! Let not your Lord look upon your weakened frame!”

Emarin-Ian rose, grasped the cup, and dragged herself up the steps with Sxgreo-Ian whipping her from behind. She reached the summit and placed the cup at the Entity’s feet before collapsing with exhaustion. The Sages roared with laughter as Sxgreo-Ian dragged her to a kneeling position. He stood behind her, trimuphiountly slashing her with the switch until she knelt before the Entity.

“Sxgreo-Ian!” said the Entity. “That is enough.”

Sxgreo-Ian scoffed and slashed her again.

“Sxgreo-Ian!” said the Entity. “I said that is enough!”

Sxgreo-Ian tossed the reed down and lowered his head to the Entity. “My Lord, this creature is beneath us.”

The Entity smiled. “You assume we are of the same stature?”

Sxgreo-Ian frowned and shook his head. “No my Lord. No, my words were not meant in such a way!”

“Oh? Then, what exactly, did you mean?” The Entity descended the steps, so that both he and Sxgreo-Ian were on the same level.

Sxgreo-Ian lowered his head in shame and fell to his knees, giving praise to the Entity. “My Lord! You have entrusted us, your Sages, to build Zygan Eue. We have built Zygan Eue, and yet you take no part in our celebrations! We send for the finest water to quench your thirst, yet you are unpleased with our doing-so! My Lord, my God, my Entity! How might we please you?”

The Entity looked at Sxgreo-Ian, then the Ancients, and then Emarin-Ian. “Take the girl on your shoulders and put her in my chair.”

The Ancients looked at one another puzzled before reaching down to lift Emarin-Ion. Slowly, they dragged her to the Entity’s chair and placed her in it. The Entity ascended the staircase and picked up the chalice she had brought Him. The Ancients gasped as He knelt before her and ran His hand across her cheek.

“You, Emarin-Ian, are the embodiment of sacrifice given to build Zygan Eue. Ease your mind, soul, and body with the water of this cup,” said the Entity. He lifted the cup to her lips and she drank of it, restoring her vitality. She looked upon her Creator’s face with eyes of admiration, devotion, and love.
The Entity rose and moved to the middle of the summit. He drew his sword and plunged it into the summit. “You shall not break the laws of brotherhood, nor shall you bring war amongst yourselves. Do not take slaves. Do not abuse the land. Should I find you guilty of breaking these commandments, then this blade shall be removed and reduce Zygan Eue to oblivion! These are my laws; obey them!”

He turned to Emarin-Ian. “Wish it so, and I shall obliterate Sxgreo-Ian from his pitiful existence. There shall be no shred of his flesh left on this earth.”

“My Lord, no!” Sxgreo-Ian dropped to his knees.

Emarin-Ian looked over Sxgreo-Ian’s wretched form—he looked so frail and weak. He wept and cried out for her to seek mercy on his ruined soul. She nodded to the Entity.

“No. I do not wish to end his life.”

“You are sure?”

“I am sure.”

The Ancients were silent as the Entity returned to Emarin-Ion. He anointed her with His blood and kissed her forehead. “Then I have made the right decision. In my absence, Emarin-Ion shall act as my voice. She will carry out my word, and she will act in the best interest of the people and the land.

The Sages will kneel before her as if she were me.” The Entity turned to Sxgreo-Ion. “Are there questions?”

“No my Lord.”

The Entity nodded in approval and bowed before Emarin-Ion. He turned and descended the steps of Zygan Eue and traveled into the dark wilderness of Eihydia.