1. |
A Dragon's Tale
02:01
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In a long forgotten past the earth belonged to a wise and powerful beast ; The mighty Dragon. It’s world would leave modern man awestruck: Lush forests, rolling green hills, endless plains, streams and lakes of the purest water and dazzling mountain ranges.
Living under the Dragon’s sky meant peace and safety from a dangerous primeval region, located at the southern frontier of the great Kingdom. And the Dragons ruled fair, their shadow gliding gracefully over the lands and times were good.
This is a tale of Pandor, born into this world and destined to become the greatest leader ever known to any creature alive. His heroic deeds would echo through time like waves on the oceans.
It is of these glorious times I wish to speak to you. Come, let me take you now into a world of miracle and wonder; a world beyond imagination…..
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2. |
Regnum Draconis
03:35
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(instrumental)
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3. |
Aenoor
03:18
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narration:
Far to the North a massive range of mountains rises from the Earth : Aenoor. It’s awe inspiring Towers, ridges and plateaus of granite, emerald and azure stretch out seemingly without end. Glistening in the Sun they form the Kingdom of the Dragons, Who regard this region as the Sacred cradle of their Species and most of all, their home.
AENOOR
Nebucor:
Free under stars – serene and bright
Our Kingdom shines – it’s mountains high
‘Tis where our heart forever lies,
Forever lies.
Born of the earth – in ancient times
This great expanse – touching the skies
Here on our heart forever lies,
Never we stray.
From endless lands – to oceans wide
Always return – from journeys far
Not ever stray from this our home,
Here’s where rest
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4. |
Glynyd
05:02
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narration:
The sun rises over the outstretched green pastures and forests of Glynyd. Among the various creatures who live here are the Unicorns. They greet the new day with reverence and joy, as they are on their way to graze in the meadows.
GLYNYD
Teelon :
Dawn arrives, upon the plain, we greet the morning.
The summer dew, the early haze, from the forest we’ll emerge.
This day awakes, it’s warm embrace, gently waves the branches.
The air a sweet, lavender scent, and the sun takes to the sky.
To all of us, who walk this earth, and soar the heavens.
All around, the pulse of life, beats a drum of wealth and joy.
As we face, another day, oh blessed and rich.
Free to range, the woods and fields, of this wondrous world we share.
Walking as one, see us give love and care.
Pure of heart, strong-willed and fair.
Single horn, our crown, a message to all:
Come times of need we’ll answer your call.
From time of old unto this day, we’re known the healers.
A race benign with a gift divine to alleviate all pain.
Trust we’ve gained, don’t step away from the weak and helpless.
Of noble breed, our acts indeed give solace far and wide.
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5. |
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narration:
The Molgar, illusive, hostile and living underground, are a race of miners. They have built entire cities deep within the earth’s crust and form an industrial society. The fact that their exploits destroy much of the surface environment does not concern them in any way. Their main goal is to ever expand their Empire and harvest the world’s natural treasures and resources.
GOL MATOO
Krolok :
So deep below the unforgiving land, The massive pounding beat is ever felt.
Of mighty moving burrowing Machines, Their sharp and hungry teeth eating away,
By crushing solid Rock face we’ll proceed, as done so by the clans in years and years gone by
From deep inside the earth do we command, To alter shape and form to our will
Volcanoes fire, channel out our waste, new space created to accommodate
Expanding cities, tunnel systems make, An empire submerged in giant
Caves we’ve built
Industrial nation’s advance – Perpetual growth it demands
Machines run continuously – Consuming, relocate, proceed.
Our dealings kept to us alone – We harvest the world which we own.
The days eye we don’t ever get to see, It’s detrimental blinding light it keeps
Us locked away until the night arrives, Then hunt begins to challenge those outside.
Mephitic surface dwellers we despise, The Dregan beast, the Isean creature soil our realm.
We are the Masters of the inner world, Reshape the planet’s face as we desire.
No one would dare oppose our mighty force , Such act would suffer grave defeat.
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6. |
Ael Hathor
07:58
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narration:
After witnessing the complete and utter obliteration of what was once the great city of Gol Matoo, Oomat – Military chief in Command – ignites into a rage. Holding the Dragons responsible, his passionate speeches incite the Molgar population to start an all out war against the creatures living on the surface : Nothing shall be spared.
AEL HATHOR
Oomat:
War!
The slaughter of our folk a filthy treachery.
The flying demon’s call preceded misery.
Upon this foul act we must retaliate.
The life above we now will simply decimate.
Chorus;
Caelan arising – destroying their precious homes.
Death to the beast – In darkness we shall march.
Thirsty for blood – We colour the surface red.
Strike with a vengeance – Once we’re done they all will be gone.
From the north out of the sky, descending on our land.
Invading force they came below, our city had to fall.
Breathing death into the caves, a sea of flame destroys.
Gol Matoo forever gone, a burning crypt we face.
Suffer loss the pain it screams, tears apart our souls.
In rage and horror witnessing, destruction so complete.
Bodies mutilated lie, charred and crushed below.
Ael Hathor it shall reply , a call to arms is sent.
We’ll march upon our enemy with steady stride.
Bred worker-warriors we only will abide.
By laws that tell us ours to gain is ours to rule.
And utilizing well this here our given tool.
Us keepers of the earth we’ll set its forces free.
A rain of rock and fire is the last they’ll see.
This mighty war machine at full capacity,
Will run to shape the world, as it’s supposed to be:
From the inner core, We’ll march the canyon floor
In darkness we arrive, To punish those alive
Chorus:
From the inner core, We’ll march the canyon floor.
In darkness we arrive, to punish those alive.
Destruction we shall bring, on surface-living thing.
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7. |
Ieeryah
07:29
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narration:
As the Molgar are roaming the land and killing every single animal they find, they cross paths with the Dragon Ieeryah who has just enough time to hide her egg from the ruthless murderers. In the fight that ensues she manages to lead the Molgar away from her offspring but she herself gets mortally wounded by a stab from the enemy’s long sword. Her last words are addressed to her unborn child…
IEERYAH
Ieeryah:
Dear child, my life here ends this day,
the minions of darkness have so ordained.
How it saddens me to never lay eyes on you,
how does it hurt not being able to raise you and care for you,
my last tears I shed for you
Know in your heart that I love you and feel my spirit ever watching over you.
My child, in these final moments I see your future unfold before me
and what I see fills my soul with happiness and pride.
You will have many great deeds to your name,
and your name, it shall be Pandor – bringer of light and peace –
it will be known to all who inhabit this world.
Child, do not give up on hope. Not ever.
Cherish the divine gift of life.
And until we are all reunited in the great hereafter I bid thee farewell….
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8. |
Pandor's Adoption
06:19
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narration:
Evading Molgar murderers, Serna – a Unicorn from the Glynyd plains – walks upon a gruesome scene : A slaughtered Dragon lying dead on the forest floor and her hatchling – no more than a few hours old – desperately trying to get his mother’s attention. Appalled by what she sees, Serna decides to take the little Dragon with her and raise him.
PANDOR’S ADOPTION
Serna:
Little one so cold and lost, alone you face this world.
Fallen prey to this ordeal, I see your eyes read fear.
What evil power’s taken hold, brought darkness to us all.
If innocence is meant to die, our children’s life denied.
Then quietly…..
We’ll fade away…..
My heart is torn to see your pain, I cannot leave you be.
You’re barely old enough to face, the challenges ahead.
A mother’s care you’ll need right now; a mother you shall have.
I’m taking you away from harm, and raise you like my own.
Security….
In a family….
Chorus:
Tears retain – The memories of freedom that we’ve lost.
Times must change – These dire days won’t lead to any future.
Newborn life deserves a chance, even in a world gone mad.
A spark of mirth for all to see, a tiny light that gives,
Some love to all the hearts it touches, and make us all forget.
The hardship and the pain we suffer, if only for a while.
Memories…
Of better days….
Chorus;
My heart is torn to see your pain, just cannot leave you be.
You’re barely old enough to face, the challenges ahead.
A mother’s care you’ll need right now, and a mother you shall have.
I’m taking you away from harm, and raise you like my own.
Security….
In a family….
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9. |
The Meeting
07:05
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narration:
Twenty-three years have passed since he was adopted and found a safe haven among the Unicorns. Pandor – Wandering the edges of the wastelands – sees a lone Dragon being cornered and outnumbered in a skirmish with a Molgar hunting party. He immediately comes to her aid. Together they manage to ward them off and she introduces herself as Tayla, living on the once so great Aenoor mountains. It’s the beginning of a life-long friendship.
THE MEETING
i – unfair
Pandor:
As I cross the western arid plains, A noise draws my attention to a canyon floor.
There’s Molgar cornering a Dragon fair, Outnumbered she can’t escape unscathed.
I act on instinct jump into the fray, Together we can send these Molgar on their way.
She fights aggressive, skilful moves repel, Blows from many angles meant to kill.
ii – the fight
Tayla:
Here we are strangers to one another – A nemesis from the deep we take on.
I am Tayla from Aenoors great mountains – Defending all that is left of our race.
Our Kingdom once mighty and bright – Scorn by forces of darkness and fear.
Let us now dissolve this here conflict – Side by side we’ll vanquish it’s cause.
Pandor & Tayla:
Cowards seek out the weak or the single – An easy target to pester and maim.
Hard the lesson today they’ll be learning : The circle closes on their own demise.
iii – the acquaintance
Pandor:
I am Pandor from the Glynyd plains, my roots were severed by this violent race.
They’ve killed my family before my birth, My future stolen by a heinous act.
But fate did smile and sent along, One meek and pure from the healers clan.
She turned the tables on a certain end, And raising me amongst her own.
Tayla:
The tale you tell I know all too well, My world destroyed leaving me alone.
Among our own an infant still, Their efforts keeping me away from harm.
Taught me history and battle skills, Awoke the spirits revealing me
The sacred values of life itself, A code to live by just and wise.
Pandor:
The search of my descent has led me here, I wish to learn about my race.
My guardian has told me all she knows, but many things left unexplained.
Questions haunt me, leave me restless, Demanding answers and be resolved.
I want to find out who I am, To be complete to be at peace.
Tayla:
Then come with me I can teach you all, you will not find any answers here.
High in the mountains thought destroyed, Our secrets lie safe and guarded well.
I’ll take you there so you can learn, About our ways and our legacy.
When all the parts fall into place, Your quest is over, you’re home.
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10. |
Tayla's Teachings
02:55
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narration:
A stranger to the ways of his own race, Pandor finds a teacher in Tayla. Her efforts give him insight and make him fully understand the life of a Dragon, a life taken from him years ago.
TAYLA’S TEACHINGS
Tayla;
Walk into this world uncommon to you,
Because you’ve been kept safe afar.
The healers meant well but they could not tell you
All of the Aenorian lore.
Pandor;
I know of the ways I was taught on the plains,
A life, of care and love.
Revealed to me all they knew of my race,
But still, I have so many questions.
Chorus:
Tayla;
The ways of our kind, so distant and far I will teach you.
Pandor: Teach me all.
Of mountains our home, it’s where we belong I shall teach you.
Pandor: Teach me now.
Wisdom of one comes from knowledge he gathers a life long.
Pandor: So it’s told.
A path laid out so clear to see, you just have to follow.
Pandor: Lead me on.
Tayla;
You’re learning fast in days that passed
Few things are left to tell.
Your skills indeed, a new hope they feed
To see forth a future so bright.
Pandor;
To reach inside their hearts and minds,
To spark their inner flame.
So how can one then move so many,
A stranger to their eye?
Chorus:
Tayla;
The ways of our kind, so distant and far I will teach you.
Pandor: Teach me all.
Of mountains our home, it’s where we belong I shall teach you.
Pandor: Teach me now.
Wisdom of one comes from knowledge he gathers a life long.
Pandor: So it’s told.
A path laid out so clear to see, you just have to follow.
Pandor: Lead me on.
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11. |
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11. THE PROPHECY / TAYLA’S MISSION
narration:
In a private moment, Tayla contemplates all the events that have led her this far. From the dreadful experiences of the past to an uncertain life – always wary of a ruthless oppressor – and now meeting Pandor. Remembering an old prophecy hope fills her heart, hope that some day soon these ancient words will become a reality.
THE PROPHECY / TAYLA’S MISSION
The Prophecy:
When darkened are the daytime skies, In the cold a troubled world then lies.
Out of balance, drenched in hate , The One will rise to change its fate.
To meek and pure a stranger He, For they are not His ancestry.
From the plains He will arise, Embodied wisdom, just and wise.
Bring light and ardour to a world maimed, And heal the wounds it has sustained.
Tayla:
My memories of days long gone ; the fear, the pain of loss I mourn
The day when all this came to pass and the golden sunlight faded fast.
Nine and twenty years ago ; a flash of light and down below
The Earth was turned inside-out as in terror and pain it wept aloud.
Hearken back to ancient times ; it was foretold, this one device
Would lead to chaos, lead to pain and one breed turning loss to gain.
The Prophecy it has revealed ; these darker days in dire need
Bring forth a champion to these lands to change the balance, to make a stand.
These times of madness have to end, arrived has He ; the Heaven sent
My mission stands ; the path ahead will lead to peace or certain death.
The chosen one has come to heal ; I will assist, my future sealed
It’s time to face our common Foe ; I stand aside Him, our numbers grow …
All these years – have come and gone with darkness and fear.
My mind is set strong – My mission keeps me going on.
I’ve found the one to rescue us all – The circle broken now becomes whole.
His powers will cure this world – Our voices once again be heard.
Time is here – so I believe, solution is near.
An act of fate – With hope in play it’s never too late.
As prophets told us long ago – The light we all used to know.
It will shine again over these lands – The forces of evil banned.
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12. |
Consulting Serna
07:02
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narration:
Intimidated by the sheer scope of what is expected of him, a doubtful Pandor seeks counsel from Serna. She feels his anguish but also knows that this is the path Pandor has to follow. Her wisdom and soothing words make Pandor accept the inevitable and put his mind to rest, finding strength to move on and fulfil the ancient prophecy.
CONSULTING SERNA
Pandor:
Mother please enlighten me, a heavy heart carries me tonight;
How troubled souls can lay all hope upon just one to make things right?
Years of darkness have made them yearn for words of old becoming true
So desperate ….. they believe…
So great the challenge to lead them on towards a future ambiguous
How many lives will there be lost in seeking truce on battlegrounds
Have I the right to sacrifice, am I the one to send them out
To fight a war ….. to die for me?
Serna:
The choice to lead in troubled times, is not for the chosen to agree.
It’s never open to debate, but commissioned by mere twist of fate.
A modest soul allowed to grow and change the course of history
Look inside and know the truth; this light of hope you have become,
My son .. for this … you’re born…
Pandor:
So now I stand and ask myself, am I worthy of this task ahead
Expectations, the stakes are high to mend the wounds of years gone by
Are those who call, for blood to flow, so full of hatred, pugnacious breed
unwillingly … too blind to see
Time has set the stage, I can sense the fear, in all of those who stand with me
But even though, as all do know, a change must come, right all wrongs
This night I’m doubtful, the dawn I dread; leading into battle those I love
Soon we depart… for uncertain ends …
Serna:
At times it seems that life itself, opposes those who least deserve
But never once, lose your faith, be confident life’s greater plan
Is one we cannot comprehend; it governs all it did create
So cast aside your doubts and fears, and trust your heart, it will guide you through
My son .. for this … you’re born …
Serna:
Remember when you were growing up?
Always on top of things you were. So brave … fearless
You’ve never surrendered to anything or anyone.
That one day, Those years ago – Finding you, was fate’s design.
Raised you, taught you the best I knew,
and watched you grow so strong and wise.
Now the moment to fulfil your destiny in life ..
has arrived.
Serna;
Your powers have matured my son, Don’t doubt yourself, Your leadership
is well accepted by all those, who’re sworn to follow without restraint.
Pandor;
My feelings tell me do take on, this challenge laid upon my path,
Your words have given strength and solace, what good is hope; if not confirmed?
Pandor & Serna;
Let this be known: The times of fear, will soon be over, will soon be gone
On red horizons a new age dawns, a world to care for and guarded well
For this … we rise … to fight! ..
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13. |
Certamen Ultimus
07:25
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narration:
Strengthened by Serna’s words of advice, Pandor feels confident He can lead the Dragons and end the Molgar’s reign of terror once and for all. With Tayla ever at his side and an army of thousands behind them, the final battle is about to take place.
CERTAMEN ULTIMUS
Pandor;
If the only way to make them see …… is war
Our objective hails from the southern desert floor
The netherworld has to be driven back
From this day forth no one has to fear the shadows, they’ll be gone
High we fly on wings of hope and destiny
A force unseen in years united closing in
Upon the enemies’ stronghold we gaze
Moving in to finish off the ones accountable for years of suffering.
Seeking out the root of evil, have it stand accused
Punishment is due for those whose deeds have scarred us all
Fight for freedom, fight for peace, a life deprived of pain
In the light respect and love will shape a reborn world
Engaged in battle’s horrid scenes of death and loss
Hard we strike, the second wave makes a final turn
Acting fast, through claw and flame released
The scourge of justice lashing out to cleanse a bitter darkened realm
Chorus :
Evil slain, Freedom at last
A price to be paid, The grim face of war
Sad remains, Tell us now :
See and learn, Learn to see
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14. |
Salus Orbis
07:17
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narration:
After winning the final battle it is time for all to start rebuilding and restoring everything that was destroyed in the years of darkness. Any reminder of the Molgar occupation are removed and the wounded are cared for, the Unicorn’s knowledge of herbs ensure a rapid recovery in most cases. The spring rains have washed away the ash and dirt, leaving fertile soil to be warmed by the life giving sun. Plants are emerging and within the blink of an eye the earth is once more flourishing with a lush veil of vegetation, colour and scents.
SALUS ORBIS
Pandor ;
Returning to once our home, torn down and destroyed by war.
Featureless foreboding landscape, make way as a new age illuminate
Tayla ;
Here we are, one, and step forward today, intent on leading the way.
Released from decades of oppression we stand, fast in our beliefs.
Pandor ;
Learning from past mistakes, an insight paid in blood and tears.
Communication not turning away make this a healthy working society.
Free from the veil of darkness, the land in time will regain its life.
Rejoin what has been broken, new bonds are forged to hold.
Tayla ;
True love has brought together, two hearts forever beating as one.
Love’s magic it never surrendered, and came out as strong as ever before.
Pandor ;
Care for the land and care for each other, a peaceful way to co-exist.
Mistrust and days of anguish, are things of a past soon to forget.
Chains no longer hold us down, here we stand set free
Freedom smiles upon us all, now that we’ve made peace
Once again now we shall soar, Ride the winds of change
Behold friends pass yonder gorge, proudly stride the lands
Restore locations lost – share the load together – As we heal the world
Dark times we’ll soon forget – Leave it all behind – As we heal the world
Face forward from here on – Turn and face the future – As we heal this world
Grey ash washed away – Watch the rain come down – As it cleans the world
Sunshine warm and bright – The vegetation grows – In a reborn world
Once more the light reveals – A multitude of colours – Of a world made whole
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Koos J. Thönissen's Cryptic Nature Netherlands
After being an active songwriter, bassist, guitarist and vocalist in several bands I thought it was time to try out something radical: To create a Rock Opera on my own - from the writing and recording (and playing all instruments myself) all the way to mixing and mastering the project – and find out if I could pull off something of this magnitude… ... more
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