Maghdim Medaillon

Probably the most important magical artefact in my Lore, used throughout the series. In fact, this is how it begins:

PROLOGUE

IN A TIME now passed beyond memory, a man whispered over a golden disc as he set it into a vice.

Vannis Valla of the Valleur lifted an engraving tool to mark the first glyph. He murmured the words of an ancient enchantment, a repeated rhythm, until it was perfect, and whispered more as he polished. It took time, many months, and he rushed nothing. He spoke of it to no one. Only when the time was right would he reveal his handiwork.

This man possessed the tools and skills to achieve his goal, as well as the voice that was impetus and creation. To infuse inanimate gold, to gift atoms sensitivity, to compel unassailable eternity, required tone, repetition and emotion.

Imperative was emotion, for it determined the ultimate nature of the infused device. If fashioned in anger, the consequence was an instrument capable of confusion; indifference led to instability, hate to darkness, mockery to deception, egotism to arrogance, and love to illumination and enlightenment.

Vannis intended only love.

The Supreme Wisdom - the Maghdim Medaillon - of the Valleur was made tangible and it was beautiful. On the day he laid it in a protective casket, he thought, I am done now. The future is secure.

He was wrong.

HOUSE OF VALLA