The Sword, Which Bears His Mother's Name, Remains Bound Until Thrust Though the Heart of the Heir.
Lokteruost was horrified. Two disturbing visions came to him one after the other.
In the first, he and several other warrior priests was surrounded by four demons
Two of Lokteruost's sons were casting holy spells, to keep the horrible beasts at bay.
The largest of the red balors let out a wicked laugh as it grabbed one of his sons and ripped him to pieces. Another balor picked up his other son , bit off the youngster's head, and swallowed it.
The best of Tieratarengir's wizards and clerics focused their efforts to drive the beasts away. When that was unsuccessful, the herded the demons as best the could to the caves near the lake at the outskirts of the city.
Wizards had set up wards within the largest of the natural caverns.
The demons were driven into a small cave above the main cavern. Once the demons were above the right place, they collapsed the floor, imprisoning the beasts in the circle.
The incapacitated beasts were pushed and sealed into various small pockets in the floor of the cavern and sealed in.
In the second, Lokteruost and several priests and wizards were fleeing the fallen city.
He was stunned to find those he considered his friends casting binding spells on him. He begged them not to seal him away. He begged them to allow him to stay awake long enough to search for the last of his remaining family. They just laughed at him.
They called him an abomination, a freak of nature.
"No elf should be permitted to live that long. You are the reason we are always attacked. We will permit it no longer. You shall be sealed, forever."
Lokteruost fell to the ground and turned on his back to look at the sky. "I wish I had remained sealed."
Katla stood arguing with Lodo. She stood in her armor with her hand on her sword. "Perhaps I will give him a nick on that pretty cheek to remind him who he speaks to." she thought.
Katla refused to wear a dress or a crown, despite being still considered the empress.
Lodo was livid. "I don't know what you plan to accomplish with this. Once we find out where the sword is, this city will cease to exist."
"These things need to be done. I am the one who has to make sure they get done."
"It is a waste of time."
Katla was taking her role more seriously than Lodo thought she would.
She helped the exodus of those who wanted to leave the mythal. The people leaving were sent with enough money and supplies to last them wherever they decided to travel.
She had the magic tapestry permanently placed at the ancient gate.
She ordered the gold golems to be dismantled and their bullion given to the poor.
She lifted the platinum standard, allowing copper, silver and gold to be used as currency.
She disbanded the Academy, giving references to any of the Black Wizards who wanted to study elsewhere. Many of them decided to stay and learn under Lodo. They wanted to go with him once he got his own academy in Brenvar started.
The Academy grounds became the new palace. She had luxurious apartments arranged for all of her friends to stay in.
She had apartments for Lokteruost, who gladly accepted her generosity. She gave him all of the artifacts they had gathered. Katla hoped his possession of them would help in the removal of the shackles, but they did not. The missing sword would have to be found for the spell to be broken.
She renamed the mythal, Tieratarengir, so no religious reference to the evil goddess could be derived.
Kunne and Walisra were given ownership of the Billowing Towers. They were going to convert it to an elven spelljammer shipyard and dock. Kunne acquired some seeds for the necessary growing of sacred trees for the task.
Katla made arrangements with spelljammer ships to have much of the equipment in the foundry transported to a place near Mithril Hall. Thelvin had traveled there himself to make the necessary arrangements for his uncle, King Bruenor to pick up the equipment.
Katla exiled the remaining priests of the three temples. She allowed the citizens to loot what they wanted from them.
She had the valuables removed from the Jagged Palace and had it torn down. It was not difficult. The structure had never been stable. The building fell in a matter of hours. With help from the citizens that wanted the building materials, clearing the area took only a week.
Katla did not shirk the small duties. She looked in on Thelan daily, to see if he woke. He was stable, but still in a coma.
Solonund carefully forced broth down his son's throat to keep him from starving.
Yet, with all of the good Katla was doing, it was still getting her nowhere.
She had hoped once the Jagged Palace was torn down, she would be able to find the resting place of Lokteruost's sword. She also wanted to find the blue room, which was what held the dead souls within the mythal.
"You have done enough, Katla. We need to find the last of Lokteruost's artifacts and be done with this place."
"Cormyr was not built in a day, Lodo. There will still be people here when you leave, and I want to make sure they are provided for. Those staying are mainly of mixed drow blood. They have nowhere to go."
"Katla, you are missing the point. There may be no here once Lokteruost is free. The mythal will be destroyed."
"But if there is anything left after it is destroyed, those who have chosen to stay need the hope to rebuild."
"You are impossible."
"No, I am hopeful. For the first time since I was a child, I have a little bit of hope. I will stay until we free Lokteruost and a governing council is appointed. Then I will give up this throne."
"I was wondering, do you like being empress?"
"Not really. It is tiring. I would rather go home and concentrate on my flower gardens. At least I have a little garden here to help me relieve my stress. Lokteruost is a wonderful gardener. He likes flowers as much as I do."
"A flower garden is not going to help us find that sword."
"The faithful of the Seldarine are rebuilding Corellon's temple. Perhaps there is a clue there. We will check as soon as Thelvin gets back."
"You should have made him your chief advisor. "
"Thelvin is a warrior, not a diplomat. You had more experience with the job, even if you did mess up when you were a king."
"Promise."
"What?"
"Promise me that you will help me, Tharros, Tessirak, Stradivarius and Thelvin look for a clue in the temple."
"I promise. What about Solonund?"
"He has lost interest in everything except Thelan. I don't blame him. I would act the same if it were my son."
"Ah, so that is it. You want to go back to Straankeep where your wife and son are."
"Of course I do!"
"Calm down. I am sure we will find something. Thelvin should be back in the next couple of days."
"Good morning Katla."
"How goes the preparations for reconstruction of the temple, Lokteruost?"
"I have decided to wait until you set up the council of citizens to continue it. I feel the time is not right. I feel sentimental. It has remained this way for so long, I find myself wary of changing it. Perhaps when we find the sword."
"That is why I am here. Lodo thinks there is a clue among the ruins."
"I will start cleaning the moss off of the rubble, if you want."
"You are the one I am concerned about. It is your freedom. I have no idea why, but I feel it is my duty to make sure you are well and happy." Katla shook her head and gave a slight chuckle. "Listen to me. I am starting to sound like a mother hen rather than a holy warrior."
"Any son would be proud to call you his mother, Katla. You do not give yourself enough credit."
"Perhaps."
"I see you kept your promise." Lodo said as he led Thelvin, Tharros, and Stradivarius up the small hill towards the temple.
"It is good to have you back, Thelvin. How did your uncle like my present?"
"He liked it well enough as long as them magic ships just dropped off their cargo well away from the Hall. He don't like magic all that much."
"Are you ignoring me again?"
"Oh, hello Lodo. I suppose you should help locate any stones in the rubble that have writing or drawings on them. Where is Tessirak?"
"A spelljammer full of Githzerai landed at the docks a little while ago. The Gith had not heard of the destruction of the Billowing Towers. They were here to raze the place. Tessirak decided that his quest to kill illithids would be best be served with them. He told me to tell you farewell, and that it was good to fight alongside you."
"We should say a prayer to bless his quest once we have a moment. They can use all of the help they can get."
"He would not like it. He feels that prayers are useless when you follow your destiny."
"Is that what his god, Zerthemon teaches?"
"I suppose. He was always tight lipped about the teachings of Zerthemon."
"Over here! I think I have found something!" Tharros was pulling a large stone that teetered along the edge of the cliff on the seaside side of the temple.
"Careful!" Lodo yelled as he cast a spell to lift the stone and levitate it to a safe distance from the cliff.
Tharros fell back on his butt as the weight of the stone left his arms. "Warn me when you are going to do that! I could have gone into the sea!"
"You are fine Tharros, unless you forgot to memorize your levitation spell today."
"That is not the point." Tharros lumbered up the hill to the spot where Lodo set the stone down.
Elvish lettering lined the slick, moss covered side of the stone tablet. Lodo and Tharros carefully cleared away the moss.
"What does it be sayin Lodo."
"Well, Thelvin, it is Eris' riddle. Although, there is a part of it missing. It looks like the marble is clearly split. The other part of the stone should be somewhere close, unless it fell into the Sea of Falling Stars."
"I'll go dig along the base of the cliff side hill."
"Tharros, wait. Get some rope and spikes. Just in case." Katla ordered in a motherly tone.
"Cluck cluck." Stradivarius spouted out.
The group of them searched and dug around the temple for several hours. Katla was about to give up hope.
"I am tired, I stink and I need a bath. This is a wild goose chase!" Lodo grumbled.
"Hey! I think I found the thing!" Stradivarius yelled as he was helping Lodo up from the hill beside the cliffs. "Hang on there a few minutes while I dig it out!"
Stradivarius tied off the ropes and lay on his stomach between two pillars. He reached over the edge of the foundation of the temple into a small crevice.
If he had not been helping Lodo climb up, he would not have noticed the hollow.
The hollow was partially covered by a large vine root. The taught rope severed enough of the roots to reveal a hollow stone in the foundation.
"Lokteruost, Is that where the cornerstone was?" Katla asked as Stradivarius carefully pulled the other half of the broken tablet from its hiding place.
"No. I have no idea why that stone is there."
Stradivarius carefully placed the stone on the temple floor. Without a word he continued to help Lodo up the hill.
"Good for Thelvin that he is wearing his flying boots and Tharros saved his levitation spell. Strad may have been too tired to pull all of you up."
"Do you always have to rub it in, Katla."
"Only with you."
Tharros picked up the lower half of the tablet and placed it together along the break. he slowly and carefully cleared away the mud from the lettering.
Lodo frowned as he read the last part of the riddle.
His things, placed on the altar, blessed and placed upon his body.
The god-spark will be released. All shall strive to their destiny.
He shall return home to take his rightful place beside his father.
Prepare for the calamity. The peace of styx shall soon come.
All shall be needed to drive back the evil.
Thus is the prophetic dream of Ghalegha.
"It makes no sense. It is worse than the rest of the riddle. What in the hells is a god-spark? The peace of styx? Something to do with the blood war, perhaps? You will not find me setting one foot in that blood bath for one stupid sword. This makes absolutely no sense."
"Yes it does. Look at the small picture at the bottom of the tablet."
Carefully etched among the ornate border was a representation of the Blood Scepter.
"You're tellin me we have been a searching all over fer weeks and we had it with us all along?"
"I think so, Thelvin. Lets all get cleaned up. Lateuquor is tonight. We should have this done before nightfall. Lodo, make sure everyone is informed. I want everyone out of the way if those balors decide to stay and attack."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Lodo hissed out.
By mid-afternoon all was prepared for the attempt to release Lokteruost.
Lodo, Thelvin, Tharros and Stradivarius waited patiently as Katla and Lokteruost set all of the artifacts on the altar.
"I am ready, Katla." Lokteruost went to his knees and tried to steady himself. He was excited, but afraid. He had been a prisoner so very long. He felt leery of the change.
"No one interrupt the ceremony."
All nodded for Katla to begin.
Katla called upon Corellon and asked him to bless each artifact before turning to dress Lokteruost.
As she dressed him, the demon hands on his shackles slowly faded away. The bone parts of the shackles became brittle and fell away.
Finally, Katla took the Blood Scepter and blessed it.
She pulled the armor away from her chest. Katla placed the sharp end of the scepter to her chest as she sat on the altar.
"Katla! What are you doing?"
"Hush Lodo, I said not to interrupt. Lokteruost, I am the heir. Push the scepter through my heart."
"Katla! After all you have done for me!"
"I have done many things I have not yet answered for. Do as I say! Push the scepter through my heart!"
Tears fell down Lokteruost's face as he grabbed the head of the scepter and gave it a firm push. The globe at the head of the scepter burst, spilling the bloodlike substance all over the altar.
The pommel of a sword was revealed where the globe had been.
Lokteruost quickly drew the sword from within the scepter and held it up to the sky.
Katla smiled as her lifeblood ebbed onto the altar. She closed her eyes.
Stradivarius fell face first to the ground and cried.
Lokteruost took a few breaths and looked around at his rescuers. He could not find the words to say.
"Look at that!" Thelvin shouted as he pointed to Katla's dying body.
Katla's hair lengthened to fall across the altar. It changed from golden blonde to a deep, rich bluish black. Starlight seemed to dance among the tendrils.
Her skin tuned from a coppery color to a creamy pale white. It shimmered like silver dust.
She turned her head and opened her eyes briefly. A tear fell from her violet eyes. Where the tear fell, a purple flower spontaneously grew.
She coughed up some blood. "Lokteruost, reveal my name. The name of your sword."
"Kalyaluhta!"
Lodo and Tharros gasped as they looked past the altar. On the empty pedestals, statues of the Seldarine stood. At least, he thought they were statues, until they moved.
Corellon Larethian made no expression, but waved his arm at the observers.
Lodo screamed as he felt a surge of energy enter his chest. He fell backwards and shook.
Tharros fell to his knees and groaned as energy flowed through him. He kept shifting between his orcish and dire bear forms.
Stradivarius tried to rise from the ground when the energy struck him. He howled in pain as he switched from orc to dire wolf.
Thelvin tried to back up far enough to turn and run, but it was no use. Energy flowed through him. He rolled around on the ground as if he were on fire.
Within a matter of moments, they were all dead.
"Why did you kill them! They helped to free me and you killed them!"
"This was the only way. It is only temporary."
Lokteruost sheathed his sword and went to the body on the altar. He pulled the lady that had once called herself Katla into his lap. He took out the remains of the scepter , cradled her in his arms, cried and rocked her back and forth.
"Mother! How could I? Father! How could you allow me to do this to her!" Lokteruost said as he shot an angry look at Corellon.
He waved his hand to the other gods and goddesses on the pedestals. They gently took Kalyaluhta from Lokteruost's arms.
"Father! She gave up her divinity to save your life! She gave up her immortality to save me! And how is she repaid? She and all of her friends who strove to allow me to leave this place are dead!"
"My son, look. As I said, it was only temporary. Now, look around at your friends."
A glowing light surrounded all of those who had been hit with the strange energy.
"What is that? Father?"
"That is the god-spark. Each of them was born with the dormant essence of a god within them. Not old gods, or dead gods seeking renewal, but new gods now being born. They will awaken shortly. You have never been a patient one, Lokteruost."
"I was born a god, wasn't I?"
"Yes, on Arvandor. You are the elven god of divine justice. As it is with farmers, what is reaped must be from what is sown. This is your symbol. I have kept it near me since Lloth stole you, and placed you here. You could have come home sooner if you had not messed up things here in this city. You were the victim of your own justice."
Corellon handed Lokteruost a shield shaped talisman. On the front of it was a long sword standing pommel down. A set of scales were balanced on the sharp tip.
"Lokteruost." Came a sweet voice from behind him.
Lokteruost turned to see Kalyaluhta standing there, healed and whole.
"Mother! You are alive!" Lokteruost looked to her in violet, gossamer robes.
"Yes, but I am not what I once was. I have much to do before I return to Arvandor. I am to awaken the rest of those who carry the god-spark. I am the goddess of strategy, perception and precognition. A war is coming. I am needed."
Lodo woke up and shook his head. It was the strangest feeling he had ever felt. When the pain subsided, he was sitting across a table talking to Azuth, his god. Azuth pointed the finger on his right hand and touched Lodo's forehead. It was like the god gave him the knowledge of every spell in existence in one touch. He saw a vision of a heaven, with bridges to other heavens.
"Ah, Lodo Celestide, or rather, the god Aranvarda Samniaur. You have awakened. The palace of bridges is nearly complete for you. It is the first of the heavens made specifically for half-elves that do not feel comfortable among humans or elves." Corellon smiled.
"I am a god?"
"Yes. It is your reward and your destiny. Your friends are awakening."
Tharros and Stradivarius woke, looked at each other and shook their heads. They had both dreamed being in the arms of Selune herself. The goddess asked them to travel among their kind. She gave them new names. They were to be worshipped instead of the evil orc gods. They were to be the saviors of the orcs.
"Tharros, Ursanus Silverstar, and Stradivarius, Lupinus Silverstar. Are you well?"
"Was that real?"
"Yes, Lupinus. You are now a god, and have the power to free your people." Corellon replied.
"Agg! Me head is splittin!"
"Thansamryn Gorm, the keen eyed. The Planar Champion, seeker of lost souls. Natural born son of Gorm Gulthin himself. Do you need assistance?"
"I had quite enough when I was speakin with me da! Durned elf god, ye need te quit buttin in."
Corellon smiled, threw his head back and laughed. He twisted on his heel, scooped Kalyaluhta into his arms and greedily kissed her.
A rumbling shook the city as the temples of the evil gods caved in upon themselves. The air overhead grew fresh and clean. The Sea of Falling Stars, and the mainland, were easy to see. The seal around the city, as well as the power of the mythal was broken.
"Now if you all will excuse me, I have to go fine my battle mount."
"Wait! Where is Katla?"
Corellon pointed to Kalyaluhta and went on his way.
Kalyaluhta smiled and switched her form back to that of Katla in her armor. "Katla is the reincarnation of the goddess. I can take either appearance now."
Nakvar howled victoriously as she and her three companions emerged from the oubliettes. They smashed into buildings, looking for victims.
She knew better to go to the hill where the gods had appeared. She would deal with that part of the city once they destroyed the rest.
"My master will be pleased that the task is finally complete."
Nakvar decided the best place to take down first was the new palace where the wizard school had once been. She was not disappointed.
Several creatures were flushed out of the various buildings by the four balors. They slashed and fought until the grounds were running with blood of orcs, elves, and humans.
Solonund peeked out of the window of his chambers. One of the balors shattered the glass and tried to pull him through the pane.
Solonund was too quick for the beast. He jumped back to the table where his bow sat. He quickly knocked an arrow and let it loose at the creature climbing through the window.
The arrow landed in the eye of the mute beast. It jerked at the arrow and flailed around on the floor.
Solonund followed the first arrow with a second to the other eye to the balor.
Solonund grabbed his weapons and slung Thelan's limp body over his shoulder. "We have to get out of here."
He rushed into the throne room of the building to be cut off by Nakvar.
"Ah, Solonund Brasher. I have been wanting to meet the gallant bow master, and here you are."
"Get out my way!"
"Give me that tidbit you are carrying and maybe I will consider it."
"Never!"
Solonund set Thelan on the floor as easily as he could. He pulled his katana and rushed Nakvar.
Nakvar laughed and taunted Solonund. "I thought you were better with a sword than that, puny little elf."
"Get out! And, get away from my son!"
"Ah, now those are words I have heard before. I simply love to take away children from their parents."
"Over my dead body!"
"If that is what you wish."
Solonund lunged for the balor. He managed to get a small cut into the hide of Nakvar's leg, but the beast did not even flinch.
Nakvar's large claw batted Solonund away as if he was a toy.
Solonund flew across the room and landed into the wall. He tried to get up, but his leg was broken from the impact. He limped toward Thelan. He tried to shield his son from the balor, but Nakvar batted him away again.
Thelan slowly roused, opened his eyes and screamed as the balor rushed towards him. He managed to roll behind a pile of rubble before the balor could reach him.
"That will not work with me, little elf."
"Thelan, run!"
"Father!" Thelan looked at the massive wounds his father had sustained. "I will not leave you!" Thelan saw Solonund's bow and arrows within his reach. He grabbed them, rolled to the side and placed several arrows into Nakvar.
"No! Thelan! Get out of here! That thing will kill you!"
"I have fought balors before, father! I can do this!"
Thelan let loose several more arrows as he inched his way towards Solonund. He aimed for the beast's eyes and mouth, but only managed to strike Nakvar in the face.
Nakvar pulled the arrows from her face and laughed. "I know what you are thinking, little elf. You think if you hit my eyes or throat, I will perish. Many have made that mistake!"
A spell erupted from Nakvar's fingers. Thelan was tossed aside.
Solonund reached into his pocket. "Solaris, come."
The hawk materialized and flew around Nakvar's head, providing a much needed distraction.
Thelan was not seriously hurt, he rushed to Solonund's side.
"Son, in the pack." Solonund coughed blood as he spoke. "It is in the bag." Solonund pointed to the pack that lay a few feet away from them.
Nakvar swatted at Solaris as the bird swooped and circled her head. Nakvar waved her leathery wings. The rush of air disoriented Solaris, allowing the balor to bat the bird away.
Thelan reached into the pack and pulled out his flintlock pistol. As Solaris went careening near his head, he aimed and fired.
"No!" Nakvar yelled as the bullet went through her eye and into her brain. She flailed and dug at her eye socket, as she slowly made her way towards Thelan.
The confusion gave Thelan a chance to reload his pistol. He fired the shot at point blank range upwards through Nakvar's mouth.
Nakvar's lumbering form made one more swipe at Thelan before she fell dead. One of her claws raked Thelan's chest.
"No!" Solonund yelled as he crawled painfully towards his son. Solonund pulled a healing potion and forced it down Thelan's throat.
"Father, it is no use. The wound is too deep."
"I will not loose you again!"
"I am sorry, father." Thelan slowly closed his eyes.
Solonund used up all of his energy on every healing spell he knew. "You have to live! I am the one who deserves to die!" Solonund fell slowly to unconsciousness.
A loud crash made Solonund open his eyes once more.
"So this is where you are hiding, Pilin'Solor. Heal yourself and transform. We have work to do."
"My son. Help my son."
"The boy is dying, Pilin'Solor."
Solonund angrily jumped up to his feet, not noticing that he no longer had any wounds or broken bones. "Damn you! Do something! I refuse to listen to you while he lies there!"
"You always were belligerent, Pilin'Solor. Do you not even know who you are speaking to?"
"I know you are Corellon Larethian. I also know I am reincarnation of the god, Pilin'Solor. I have known that for years! It is my choice whether to take my other form or not. I refuse to as long as my son lies dying!"
Corellon got face to face with Solonund. "Are you disobeying your master?"
"A god who does not care for the welfare of his children does not deserve to be obeyed."
Corellon sighed. "Very well. Your son shall be spared, on one condition. You must assume your true role, Pilin'Solor. And, you must never blatantly disobey me again."
"Done."
Corellon waved his hand over Thelan. All of the wounds the boy had suffered, completely disappeared.
"He will sleep there until your first task is fulfilled. Transform." Corellon pulled his sword and prepared himself.
Solonund went on all fours. His shape changed to a huge, golden, male unicorn with a barbed horn. Wings of fire burst forth from his sides. His golden hooves were also rimed with fire.
Corellon mounted his battle steed. They flew out of the chamber and into battle.
The remainder of the demons and evil creatures were slain.
Corellon led his mount to the ruined temple where the others waited for them. He dismounted and went straight to Lokteruost.
"My son. There is but one thing left to do. Do you know what it is?"
"Yes. I must break open the prison where the souls of those who died here are housed."
Lokteruost went over to a medium sized, round stone that had been part of the foundation of the Jagged Palace. He pulled his sword and split the geode in half. Spirits flowed freely out of the, sapphire lined prison.
"Pilin'Solor. Lead the lost souls to their destination. You may return for your son once you are done."
The fiery winged unicorn neighed and took to the air. A dimensional gate opened in front of Pilin'Solor. The stream of souls followed the unicorn beyond the gate.
Corellon pulled Katla into his arms and held her tight. "I have something for you. You, my love, are going to need help on your quest. I have decided to give you that help." He whirled her around to look.
A glimmer formed in the shape of a male elf. Naurailoki stood there dressed in godly attire. He reached out to take Katla's hand.
"Corellon has named me a as a minor demigod. Of what, he told me I have to find out for myself. I am to help you."
"You will care for my beloved, or you will be stripped of your power, Naurailoki."
"I will do as you ask, Your Majesty."
"Now we will leave you. Lokteruost will return home where he belongs. Be careful on your journeys through this mortal realm. I will meet with you again soon."
Corellon, Lokteruost, and the other members of the Seldarine who had come, slowly faded away.
"Well, I suppose we should asses the damage and losses to the city before we go on our way."
"Katla! How can you say that when you know what just happened!"
"Most of the city still stands, Lodo. We should go see if Kunne and Walisra are alright. Since they were born here, it only seems right that they take over the governing of Tieratarengir. They will need to be more cautious now that the power of the mythal is gone."
"Fine Katla. You go on your merry way. I am taking my new students and going home."
"Strad and I should go as well. Converting all of the orcs will be a vast undertaking. We need to get started, right?"
"Right Tharros." Stradivarius replied.
"An I need to get back to the Hall and tell me uncle and me ma. Me ma will be glad she doona have to be keepin her secret anymore."
"Well, I guess it is just you, me and Solonund, Naurailoki."
"I see Solonund flying back to the palace. We should go meet him there."
"Goodbye everyone. We hope to see you again soon."
"I am sure we will run into each other again on our journeys, Katla."
"I am sure." Katla smirked and shook her head as her friends walked away. She turned around to watch the setting of the sun, and to smell the sea air.
Katla was happy.
THE END
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