Excerpt: Tamariel's Mirror

In the night, I dreamt I was in the garden of master Florian. Only it was Tamariel whom I met there.

Standing in her graceful silence she began to talk, even as I walked towards her.

'There once was a mighty war in the Heavens,' she said, 'between the Lords of Light and the Host of Darkness. Each side was convinced of their righteousness, and the starry firmament itself shook as the angels fought.'

She smiled softly at me. 'But there were some angels, who refused to take part in the battle. These were the neutral angels. They had a ring, in which light and shadow embraced and danced with each other.'

Tamariel took the pitcher of water and slowly filled the fountain in front of her.

'The neutral angels brought the Ring to Arda, so that the Lord of Sacrifice might guard it and keep it safe. In all the time since it came, peace has reigned on Arda. From this Ring all this world's wealth ensued.'

Mist rose from the fountain as Tamariel slowly passed her hand over the water and asked, 'Would you like to look into the mirror, Warrior?'

'What will I see?' I asked hesitantly.

'You will see things that have been, things that are and things that may come to pass. Nothing is certain. The future is always open.'

I hesitated as I looked into her heart.

'You are carrying twins,' I heard my voice saying.

'Yes,' a smile slowly spread across her face. 'Your vision is true. I carry both a light and a dark son in my womb.'

I slowly stepped towards the fountain and looked into it.

>> More: "The Grail Marriage"