The Walking King and Cavalcade Lament

-- Call and response catechism of the Cavalcade Lament

The Firetide War was a devastating conflict with far reaching implications not just for Vad and Highcroft but all dragonkind. For the Elder Dragons who witnessed the Constellation War and have spent their eternal lifespans watching the history of Vault unfold before them, the Firetide War was a heartbreaking ordeal. One of those Elder Dragons chose to intervene, hoping to bring a swift end to the fighting through his unfathomable power. His name was Hellfall, and he now exists as nothing more than a traveling bard's show.

Cadogan Cauld was the commander of the united people of Highcroft after the death of his mother, Philomena Leomin, at the hands of Hellfall. Watching his forces devastated by an Elder Dragon, Cadogan had little choice. On the eve of his surrender, his father took ill and began rambling about a "gift beneath the cradle." Taking on faith this was a sign of the gods, Cadogan delved Cradle Loch and found something to turn the fortunes of the war.

While the Firetide War is documented elsewhere in more detail, that Gift Beneath the Cradle bound Hellfall in chains, and tied the lifeforce of Hellfall to that of Cadogan. The young man now shared every pain, every hurt, and everlong life with the Elder Dragon, and also had complete control.

It did not take long for Cadogan Cauld to be named King of Highcroft, bringing the country into an era of prosperity. But rather than rule from afar in some distant castle, Cadogan knew what it meant to understand his people. He took no spouse, bore no family, knowing his life would far outlast any other. Instead, he walked. The Gift, as the shackles and chains came to be called, allowed both Hellfall and Cadogan to never need rest nor sleep. And so he walked, Hellfall behind him. He circled the country, helping settle disputes, establish settlements, farm the land, dispatch wisdom, toil with those who labored, weep with those who cried, celebrate with those who had cause. He became much loved by the people, and Hellfall, in his endless disdain, became all the more hated.

Over the decades, the Royal Road was established, the path King Cauld and Hellfall walked, circling Highcroft. Along with the road, came those who chose to walk with them. Soon they had a following. The following became a crowd, and the crowd became a movement. The people marked the King's arrival every few months as a time for celebration. Festivals commence and feasts are had as his procession comes into town.

And even though the "Walking King" walks for his people, the weight he bears with his connection to Hellfall is seen by all. The traveling festival that now travels with them is called the Cavalcade Lament in honor of the great burden King Cauld carries, and perhaps even the burden Hellfall carries as well.

The tradition continues to this day. For nearly 135 years they have walked. And for 135 years, the hatred of dragonkind have walked with them....