" 'Tis a Time of Darkness, Danger and Despair . . .  Beware!"     Chronicle Region  I - North (Reasons of the Radiant Realm)   The  Fringes:        "At last!  Here was news..." thought Braeza, as she and her Grandfather Festus (an old Testamin Knight), moved tenaciously toward the center.  The villagefolk were in a furor!  Serfs and Nobles alike, bundled up for warmth, in the grey coolness of the autumn day.  They chattered excitedly like magpies at a meal.  Their voices, like a cacophony, rising on the constant wind of late.  In contrast, the children were shyly quiet.  Their wide eyes, innocent and trusting.  They depended on their fathers and mothers, to see to it, that all was well.      In the middle of the public square, was where the brewing anticipation was focused.  There... on the prestigious troupe of visitors... especially, the Royal Herald.      He was clad in his Master's colours.  Burgundy, violet, gold and white - - an ensemble of brocade shirt and breeches.  Braeza noticed appreciatively, that the attire fit admirably his tall frame.  From infancy, she had been tutored well, as to the meaning of each article of Heraldic garb:  The Burgundy represented Power.  Violet was for Royalty.  Gold was for Richness.  White for Purity.  Silver meant Wisdom.  The pure Iron stood for Justice.  And the cut-Jasper Stone, symbolized the many opulent facets of 'The Majesty's Love.      Splendid reminders indeed!  Truly, the garments were impressively interwoven with silver filament.  Braeza smiled, as she mused, from a fanciful view, "the thread seemed to have been plucked from the lengthy strands, of his wind-blown tow-head.  His hair so shined!  So too, did the Herald's leather boots.  The blood-hued boots were cuffed, just below the knee, and were fastened with many iron buckles.  The toe sections were tipped with iron as well.  The uniform was worn only by the Royal Messengers.  So was the insignia of the polished Jasper Stone clasp.  The clasp was pear-sized and fashioned into wings.  It held the Herald's gilt-edged, heavy cloak in  place.  Verily, the whole outfit served its purpose (in stating), "Here was an officer of trusted rank; Courier of the Quintessential Commonwealth!"        By now, Braeza and her grandfather, had worked their  way to a good spot.  Both, she and Festus were of notable height.  So they had only positioned themselves, close enough to hear clearly and better see.  Now, the two gave their full attention to the main guest...      The Herald's eyes glowed emerald-bright.  His face, an austere, handsome mask.  He stood out auspiciously from the throng in the square.  At that moment, a trumpet pealed.  Silence ensued.  The Herald, with intensity, now began reading aloud the Decree:   " By Order of our Prince Priceless the Esteemed Heir of 'The Majesty' Monarch of All Empires, Dynasties, Dominions, Governments and Glory; do Hereby Summon all subjects of the Resplendent King Reign's Kingdom to Gather to The Great High Castle... and this do, before... The Battle of Chasms and Storms Commence!"     (The Herald paused, to edify the importance of the last part...)   "Furthermore, All Peoples Here 'must' Sign their compliance This  Very  Day... to reaffirm Fealty to our Liege, King Reign."        The people were stunned.  Still in suspense, the murmurs began again..... To Continue Thy Quest.... Press Below