TALES FROM THE RENGE: THE PROPHECY FULFILLED

WARRIORS OF THE DARK RING: THE DOLMINIAN ORDER

The Dolminian Order, though younger than their Cyrtian brothers, was still far older than the rest. They, like their older brothers, were warriors. But that was where the similarities ended. Unlike the Cyrtians, the Dolminians were a matriarchal Order. All who held power within the Order were women. There were no high priests, but rather, high priestesses. Their Master was, of course, Zarange–the most beautiful member of the Council…and very much a woman.

They had endured much. They had seen persecution at the hands of the last three Masters. The chauvinistic despots had thought them mere tokens, toys to be played with. Yet they proved to be a force to be reckoned with. But they weren’t the only ones who’d been persecuted due to their gender. Half the Dark Ring were women, their Orders of a matriarchal nature. These Orders had been under severe persecution with the Dolminians. And the Dolminians became their leaders. They protected those who refused to come to blows with their persecutors. Indeed, they even defended those who were not strong enough to defend themselves successfully.

Thus the Great Sisterhood, as the twelve matriarchal Orders were called, formed an unbreakable bond. With the Dolminians at their head, as their senior representatives and chief defenders, the Sisterhood stood firm. They backed anything their defenders thought worthy to back. This coming war was no different. Yet, all sensed that they had chosen a truly great warrior to lead them all–in the form of Con. He impressed Zarange, that’s all they needed. And he impressed them, too.

They had suffered for centuries, and now they had a chance to bring an end to that suffering. And they were going to do so. All of them were. The Dolminians and their Sisters were going to take up arms and go to war. Indeed, and it was too late to turn back. It had to be carried out.

Now, Zarange stood upon the dais in the center of the temple. Below her, the mass of women that gathered stood armed and at attention. Though each worshiped a different goddess within their pantheon, they all followed their Master’s–Zarange’s–decisions. And why not? She was the eldest, and the eldest was always the wisest.

All worshiped the mother-goddess. She, along with Zarange, was what bound them together. And they were all warriors. They reveled in warfare; it was their greatest love. It had been ages since they’d fought in a war, and they desired a taste of an enemy’s blood once more.