Minstrel of the Flame
Gindarie Al'Vere
Solusek Ro Server

In days long forgotten in Norrath's history, a time existed when the outstretched arms of the Khallas Peaks, the mountain range separating the Dawnshroud valleys and the Twilight Sea, were impassable.  For centuries the citizens of Luclin attempted to bridge the two lands, only to fall into the mysterious gray void within, a void ruled by the Dark Revenants. Thus were the caverns deemed "The Passage of Lost Souls."

Then legend spoke of the one who dared to defy the darkness.  Gindarie Al'Vere, a blossoming songstress at the time, was enraged at the violation of what she deemed the people's right to travel their beloved lands safely.  Gindarie dedicated her life to free the chains that held her people prisoners, and for years, under the guidance of the blessed Mother Karana, she prepared for what was to be her life quest.

In due time, her day of destiny had arrived.  Poised, standing before the talons of the dreadful peaks, Gindarie set off on her journey to free her people. Nervous with both anxiety and fear, she closed her eyes and offered a small prayer for strength.  Gindarie then looked behind her and with tears in her eyes gazed upon the people and lands that she loved, perhaps the last time she would do so.  For no one who had ever entered the dark passages returned to speak of it.  

With a sword in one hand and her flute in the other, Gindarie entered the Passage of Lost Souls.

.

Nearly a century passed and the tale of Gindarie's plight was passed on from generation to generation.  Tales of how she had fallen varied from one bard to next, yet one thing was for certain - she had not survived her journey.  Hers was just the latest attempt against that which was impossible.

Then, on the morning exactly 100 years after Gindarie had first entered the passage, came the strange song. The valleys surrounding the great mountains echoed in sweet cadence, as a voice, loving and soothing drew the people to the entrance.  As they approached, they were not filled with the usual fear associated with the evil surrounding the Passage of Lost Souls.  Instead, they were drawn to the songs of the minstrel, following the peaceful voice as a child chases a butterfly in a springfield.

And then she appeared. There, shimmering before the mouths of the mighty peaks was a fiery image of jade and crimson. In her hands she held two arches of flame, whose light shone upon the caverns within as far as an elven eye could see.  No longer were the passages haunted with the evil of the past, for the dark veil within had been lifted. And she who was thought lost forever nearly a century ago, had returned to free her people.

Gindarie Al'Vere had defeated The Passage of Lost Souls.

What once was dark, now the fire shines
The Souls once trapped, now again can see
Look not behind, ahead your path now lies
By the flame of Gindarie, ahead your path is free!


At last, the chains that bound Gindarie's people, for whom she had sacrificed so much, had been abolished.  By the thousands they swarmed into the Passages of Lost Souls unafraid, for there to guide them was the Minstrel of the Flame, as Gindarie was now known. Through the bowels of the great peaks they journeyed, and at their journey's end were new abundant lands for her people to thrive. Lands that for too many years they had been denied.

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Today, hundreds of years later, the spirit of Gindarie lives on.  The people and lands which she had freed so long ago now live in joyous unison. Because of her bravery, countless generations have been blessed with life, and thrive upon the lands opened to them.

It is said that within the Passage of Lost Souls, sons and daughters of Karana can still hear her song echoed within its walls.  Her song which sings of the courage to face the darkness of eternity, and the ultimate freedom of the people whom she held dear.

For in that song beats the very heart of Gindarie Al'Vere, the very soul of the Minstrel of the Flame.


Gindarie Al'Vere sings songs of Power on the Solusek Ro server.