The Rise of Heroes


Althena watched silently as the Red Dragina's forces spread like a malignant disease across the once fertile lands of Fou Lu, and saw that though Rein's hunger might devour the world, even that would not satisfy the power-mad Emperor. Silently and subtly, she sent out a call that stretched to the four corners of the world, her will drawing on the potential of countless men and women. Many died, more were taken by greater forces, but a great number survived the trials she placed in their way to become heroes. Then, when the time was right, she revealed herself to Nol, and offered to bolster his forces with the budding crop of those who might become legends...

The most prominent among the heroes offered were these three:

Xarl Bluestride, ancient planeswalker and powerful wizard.

Gren Virgil, the unlikely King of Elves and powerful warrior.

Belgarion, skilled swordsman and insatiable alcoholic.

Nol, under Althena's guidance, saw that Rein's forces were preparing to assault the Holy Land, the island where the Temple of the Elements lay, and where since time out of mind the Order of Archmagi had guarded the most powerful artifact on the face of Fou Lu; the Gateway of Primus, the portal beyond which lay the realm of the Gods. Rein's goal became chillingly clear: having weakened Thanatos, his plan was to pass through the Gateway and take the mantle of godhood from his former master. The Blue Dragina, with no choice, called for a council between the Gods and mortal heroes to coordinate their defensive strategy before the Dilosian Emperor arrived. The entire force was placed under Nol's command, but he deferred for the most part to Xarl, Gren, and Xue Shenlong, later called the Triumvirate, the three generals of the final battle.