The Grand Ordeal

"Civid Brightwaters, as part of this year’s Grand Ordeal and to receive the honor and title of Knight of Truth, heareth me my quest." Civid bowed before the master and listened. "Retrieve me the Sword of Wisdom, lost two centuries plus one half ago during the great battles of Garvasia" Civid had heard tale of this magnificent artifact with magical powers and his heart raced with both enthusiasm and fear. "Rise, Civid Brightwaters and receive the blessing." The master waved a staff above his head and spouted out the magical incantation. "Ach mala oovra!" The voice of the master echoed through Civid’s mind and with the power of Brigde by his side he would go off on his quest. Civid made his way out of the Town Square to begin the Grand Ordeal and claim his prize.

The next name called was Lavin the Lighthearted, town minstrel and expert archer. Lavin was above average in height for one of the Dweeler race, around 6’3" tall with dark brown hair. Lavin thought he might have an advantage over the others in competition for he was in possession of the Lute of Mogra, a magical instrument which allows the right player to sing tale of the future and also has many other mysterious capabilities. Lavin had the ability to play it as such where many who have tried to weave the fabric of the magic held within the powerful instrument have failed to succeed and fell due to its powers. But not Lavin, he knew the risks of playing the lute but he had confidence and faith in Brigde and his will prevailed. Now Lavin is a poweful Dweeler indeed. The master did the same for Lavin as he did for Civid and Lavin made his way to begin the quest.

Dramos, apprentice to the great wizard Yolarus, would be the next, called by the master. For years, Yolarus had tried to keep Dramos secluded from the Grand Ordeal. Yolarus believed not in the system of honor in his community. Some of the Town officials have started to shun Yolarus for his actions, claiming than none in the village would be excluded from tradition so Yolarus had no choice but to enter young Dramos. Yolarus did not want to have to move away, he had lived in his tower just outside of town for years before the Dweelers even settled in Tok Valley. Rightfully the land belonged to him, but circumstances change and there is little to do without using his magic. Yolarus was a passive man and had no intentions for violence, so he obeyed the officials. Yolarus knew the sword should not be disturbed by these simple folk and felt that if Dramos could retrieve it or at least stop the others from obtaining it, the land may be saved. Dramos was young, age 17 and had no idea of the importance of his mission. Dramos left Yolarus’ side to approach the master. The master did as he had for the others and Dramos walked off with Yolarus.

Finally, Inue Magstrom, young, and beautiful who had hair of gold that came down just past her shoulders. Talented in the ways of what they call the natural magic, which entails the use of herbs and incense rather than the use of incantations and rituals much like the type of powerful sorcery performed by Yolarus the Wizard. Inue was under alot of pressure in this day. If she were to marry the man she loved, she would have to complete the Grand Ordeal successfully and redeem her family name. Generations ago, her family was disgraced by the failure of the Grand Ordeal. Now Inue has elevated her status enough to get the chance to redeem her name. Inue had wanted to marry a man who’s family had much honor, but there was no way a woman of her status would be allowed to marry into an honorable family such as the Soors. The eldest of the Soor family, being sixty-eight years old, had successfully completed the Grand Ordeal fifty years ago bringing the Soor family to the highest status in the community. The family would not have to defend its honor until someone challenged it with good reason. Inue stepped up to the altar.

"Inue Magstrom, thou without honor. Seeketh thee thy redemption or so not request it again. Retrieve me the Sword of Wisdom." The master blessed the kneeling Inue and she was on her way. By now all the others were making preparations to journey onward. Inue being of the lowest honor class had the disadvantage of being sent last, but she had little to bring and her departure would be swift.

Trials of Fire

The wizard Dramos sat in meeting with his mentor, Yolarus. Yolarus was very old, with a long gray beard and a mane of silver, though his skin remained youthful. Yolarus donned a magical robe woven from the finest enchanted spider silk cultivated be the Temmars of the otherworld.

"This is a difficult task indeed, young Dramos." Yolarus spoke to his apprentice. "By law I cannot interfere with your quest. Tis a silly law but I must abide. If these barbarians only knew of the importance of this quest, then I would be able to help you, but if I do they will shun and exile me for sure. I have something for you" Yolarus walked over to a large chest in the corner of his meeting chamber and removed the large, bulky lock with a snap of his finger. A cloak, glistening in the light, reflecting every bit of ray which fall upon it, much like that worn by the great Yolarus, rose from within the chest. It hovered in mid-air in front of the almost hypnotized Dramos. "Take the cloak young Dramos. It is an enchanted silk robe and will be of much help to you. I was to wait for thy training to have reached it's latter but haste no longer, the time must be quartered." Dramos squinted his eyes tight to avoid harm from the intense light that emanated from the cloak. He reached out and took the robe and placed it over his leather armor. "and one more bit of advise, young Dramos. Take your sword to the far end of my workshop." Dramos walked and Yolarus followed. "Place the sword on the table." Dramos did as Yolarus commanded. "Hone thy energy, young Dramos, concentrate. Relieve yourself from the binding forces of our universe and wave thy staff thrice above thy weapon." Dramos relaxed his muscles, grasped his staff and waved it as Yolarus instructed. "Now call upon the god of fire, Krendos, and recite his prayer as I have taught it." Dramos closed his eyes and spoke the prayer.

"Krendos, yolo ma tala, Krendos, kol tempo mala." a moment passed wihtout incident and Dramos sighed in disappointment. Just as Dramos turned to look at Yolarus the table began to shake and Dramos turned quickly to catch a glimpse. The sword began to glow and made a deep, bellowing, steel bending noise. Almost as suddenly as the enchantment started, it ended with a large bang and a puff of smoke came from beneath the sword. Dramos had never attempted an enchantment before and was a bit nervous. Sure he had much training in meditation, healing, and illusions, but never had he given an inanimate object the power of the gods. Dramos reached for the sword and picked it up. He gazed at his reflection in the steel and saw a vision of fire which appeared to be behind him. Dramos turned quickly and saw only Yolarus smiling at him. Yolarus began to clap his hands

"Well done, young Dramos, this sword will serve you well but you must maintain your faith. Heareth my speak young Dramos for without heed to my advise, your quest will fail and your life may be in danger. Carry not with you arrogance. There is a difference between arrogance and faith, young Dramos. Many a wizard have fell by their own magics due to their impeccable pride," Dramos sheathed his steel in the belt he had just fastened on the outside of his robe.

"I will not fail you master" said Dramos. "All of your teachings will I carry with me and take heed to the advise you spoke I will"

Trials of Talmus: Part 2

To master Shetspus,

"Young Talmus has far over reached his bounds. The trial of fire took but one try. This pupil is much more powerful than any other I have seen before. Even Master Refos, whom is one of the most powerful, took 2 or 3 tries to finish his first trial. I believe Talmus should be turned over to a more qualified trainer. I fear I am not ready for this challenge. I have requested many times to finish my own training and until then, I should not dabble with a young Sthril’ell’s powers.

From,

Garus, Sthril’ell Mediator

To Garus,

Your request for relief from the training of Talmus has been denied. Until you train young Talmus, your request for further training and the trial everlasting is also denied. Talmus has much power as I have foreseen as well as the other elders, but you must overcome the challenge. Your time has come, you are no longer an apprentice.

From,

Shetspus. Sthril’ell Elder

In The Name Of Family Honor

Civid Brightwaters sat on the ground in the cemetery, staring at a grave stone. The stone was for his ancestor, "Sir Drahcir Brightwaters the Great, Knight of Truth, born with honor 9530, died with honor 9565" as written on the stone. Civid had to defend the honor of his family for his time hath come. Civid said the prayers of his gods silently then stood, turned and headed towards his stable. The cemetery was a mere stone’s throw away from the Brightwaters estate. Much wealth had the Brightwaters family, and many honors achieved. No matter all the wealth on the continent, Civid must maintain the honor, for without honor he shall be no better than the bugs beneath his feet. Ahead towards his stable, he treaded. When he reached his fine steed, black, majestic, strong as an ox, his stable hand had the animal ready for his journey. Alone must he make it, and alone he would conquer. The stable hand, even younger than Civid himself being age nineteen, handed the reigns to Civid and said nothing, just a nod.

Civid mounted his horse and pranced from one end of the estate to the other, holding his chin up high. His family waved and shouted words of luck at Civid but he did not acknowledge. He did not want to deter his focus. He did not want to seem overconfident either. Honor, valor, sacrifice, these were what made one virtuous, not cowardice and arrogance. Certainly one must stay focused to overcome these feelings, especially be someone of such honor as a member of the Brightwaters family. Civid reached the gates of the estate and left, holding the banner of his family, bearing the symbol of the sun and water below it, with rays of light falling to the turbulent sea. He held this high above his head. He pushed his steed into a gallop and took down the road, northbound, armor shining in the sun. Towards Furlock Wood he rode, where his destiny lie, only the gods may know.

The Steady Hand

Lavin the Lighthearted had already entered Furlock Wood only minutes before Civid had left the village. Lavin sat beneath a Leeberry tree strumming his magical lute. The smell of the berries from this tree were beautiful and reminded Lavin of his childhood, running through the whispering meadow with his teen love. Oh how he longed for another companion. The sounds coming from Lavin’s lute were extraordinary. The enchanted oak wood string instrument resonated the magical tones. Lavin started singing with the music.

"And the bard who hath entered the woods first, second only, the honorable warrior on steed of much greater worth." It was the future he had sung song of. Soon Civid Brightwaters would enter the woods and catch up to Lavin and he knew this. Lavin knew that Civid would strike him down where he stood had he caught up. There was nothing dishonorable about a warrior killing another to defend his honor. In fact, Lavin was sure that Civid would be boasting of his victory to the other warriors once he reached the City of Langford. Lavin knew that he could not out might the warrior so he would have to out wit him instead. Lavin climbed a tree that hung over the winding road, which meandered its way through the dark forest. He had his bow ready in hand, steady upon the arrow which would be cast down on Civid Brightwaters as he passed beneath. A few moments passed in silence until Lavin heard the onset of distant horse hooves against the ground. Lavin, with arrow in hand, drew back his bow and aimed down at the narrow road, waiting for the warrior to pass. Sweat poured down the side of Lavin's face. He was nervous. Lavin was not a warrior, simply a mere minstrel, but he did have an expertise in archery, which may have been an advantage. He waited still. The footsteps were getting closer now. He could hear that.

Down the path came the brave warrior, Civid Brightwaters. Majestic was he, high above the ground with steed galloping below. Civid’s horse, Shadow, stopped in her tracks.

"Your instincts are tuned for I have sensed it too,

Shadow." Civid said while patting shadow on her head. High above the trees sat Lavin, waiting for Civid to pass by.

"The footsteps hath stopped," thought Lavin. He began to become nervous. "Perhaps he will go another direction and I can move on, or perhaps he knows I am waiting and shall plot my demise." Lavin could not risk making noise enough to play his lute so he would have to use his instincts. Shadow looked around, smelling the air. Civid had dismounted and started surveying the area. He knelt to find footprints, fresh, leading from his direction. Off to the left were remnants of a small fire, just beneath a Leeberry tree. Civid lifted a piece of the still smoldering wood chips and looked around in all directions. He was close by, if in fact he had not left. Surely he was close enough to have heard Shadow’s heavy feet stomping on the hard dirt road. Civid decided to choose a different path. This was not the act of a coward, simply the act of an intelligent and strategic man. There was a smaller path just back down the road, which he had already passed. The small path was more difficult to travel but this was no matter for Shadow was trained for rough terrain. Lavin waited, still nervous was he. The sound began again. Heavy footsteps close by. Lavin readied his weapon but the steps decreased in volume as the seconds progressed. Lavin’s worries had begun to lift. He waited but a minute before deciding to retreat from his perch. Down climbed Lavin to four feet above the tree foot, then jumped to he ground. Onward he would move to find a safe haven for twilight was upon him. He must move fast if he was to reach the city Langford before nightfall. He would be safe and protected within the walls of the Minstrel’s guild. At a steady jog Lavin treaded northward.

Love Everlasting

Inue Magstrom had a different path, it was more treacherous but swifter. She would sail her family’s boat down the River Vail, which cut through the great mountains of Serpent Spine. Before Inue would leave she would meet with her lover, Kremer Soor. They had to meet in secret, for their families and community would consider their relationship improper. Their special meeting place was around back of the town, in the whispering meadow. They had a tree there, which they believed held their united soul of love. Belief was that when two were in love, their spirits would unite and implant itself in a tree held special to the two souls. Theirs was a young oak, strongest tree in the valley. Inue waited sitting down, leaning against the special oak. Then Kremer appeared in the distance. Inue leapt up from her seat and ran to meet him. She ran through the tall grass, smiling with anticipation to be held in his arms. They met and embraced. Kremer held Inue tight, then fell to the ground with her. They kissed as they laughed in happiness of each other’s presence.

"I will not keep you long, Inue. I would like to stay with you for every second but you must set foot in the swiftest" said Kremer.

"I know, my love, I will not fail. Our love and very future depend on my success," Inue said as she gazed into Kremer’s eyes.

"Our love cannot fail us, I’m sure of it," said Kremer with much faith.

"I shall triumph or shall my soul have rest with Brigde," said Inue intensly. Kremer grabbed Inue and held her tightly against him. Kremer backed up to look at Inue.

"You must go," said Kremer as he grasped Inu’s arms. They kissed with such a passion that could never be duplicated. Inue was sure that Fuyi, the goddess of love was smiling down upon them this day.

"Have faith in me Kremer," said Inue as she ran along her way

"I love you!" cried Kremer and it echoed through the valley.

"I love you too Kremer. I shall return."

First Steps

Inue made her way to the dock where her ship was being held. It was a strong ship, crafted by the finest boat makers from Langford. Langford was the big city on the other side of Furlock woods. All of the young, questing adventurers would have to pass through here for it was the only way out of the valley. The River Vain ran through the forest and passed through the city of Langford. Inue boarded her vessal and prepared to launch from the dock. The boat drifted from the yard and down the canal. The river ran north towards the mountains. Inue let the current take her ship towards Langford where she would begin her research to find some answers as to the location of the Sword of Wisdom. If there were anyone in the nation who knew, he would be found in the great city of Langford.

Dramos, the young wizard, was on his way out of town when he walked past the canal where Inue’s shap was drifting. He glanced over and saw Inue aboard her ship. He ducked behind a tree in hopes she had not seen him. She did not. Dramos could easily summon the powers of the wind to bring Inue’s ship well off track. Dramos stood and thought of the possibilities. There was a fork in the river up ahead and if Dramos could get her ship to stray to the left as opposed to the right, it would put her well behind in her mission. Dramos ran through the woods along side the river waiting for her to draw near the fork. He ran ahead swiftly to prepare his incantation. He got to the fork before Inue and waited anxiously for her ship to come barreling down the river towards him. Just as the ship approached, Dramos stepped out from his hiding with arms raised above his head, staff in hand. Inue saw him and scrambled for her crossbow, but it was too late. Dramos shifted her trajectory towards the left fork with a wave of his hand. Inue’s ship would lead to certain disaster for the path she had been given would lead to raging rapids and cliffs on both sides with no shore to land on, ultimately leading to the great waterfalls at the end of the river. Inue screamed and cursed at Dramos as he turned and walked away into the forest. Dramos was not proud of what had done but he felt in necessary under the Grand Ordeal circumstances. Dramos continued through Furlock Wood, walking along side the river. He wanted to stay clear of the main roads so to avoid any other encounters. Dramos was told by Yolarus of one who belonged to the wizard’s guild in Lanford who may be of some help in finding the lost sword.

Nighttime was approaching rather rapidly and Dramos was a bit behind. He had hoped to reach the city before darkness was upon him but he would have to seek some other form of shelter. He knew of a cave just a bit to the east. It would provide him with a safe place to sleep at least. Dramos trudged through the thick foliage of Furlock Wood, hacking obstructions with his enchanted sword as he progressed. Where the entrance to the cave had once been clear, the area was overgrown with vines and ivy. Dramos took his sword, and with one swift chop he made a small clearing amongst the vines. Dramos sheathed his sword and slipped into the cave where he would prepare his bed for the night.

In Her Darkest Hour

Inue’s boat was out of her control. She could not dock for the rapids were lined with rocky cliffs on both sides. Her only options were to either, stay onboard and hope for the best or plunge herself into the raging water and meet almost certain death. Not much to choose from considering both options spelled doom for Inue. She decided to stay onboard and rough the river. Her ship bobbed uncontrollably above the hurricane of turbulent waves and swells. Wave after bone crushing wave crashed atop her vessel. She was moving very fast and she could do nothing to stop. Soon she would reach the falls. The falls were huge with a drop of several hundred feet. No person of her size could survive such a fall and her ship, no matter how strong it was, would certainly meet its end on the jagged rocks which lay await at the fall’s bottom. Inue knew that her time hath come and started to pray to Huchu, the god of the seas, for some chance that he may spare her soul. But the gods favored those with many honors as told by her mentor, Kreslonis, and Inue was one of few. The falls were approaching rapidly. She could see the edge. What a beautiful sight it was, she thought as she tried to relieve her mind from the pressures of death. She wanted to die in peace. She braced herself agaist the sidewall of the ship and looked out at the sky. She could see the Serpent Spine Mountains, the Forest of Good Hope, and the mystical Valley of Sherlon. The edge came rushing toward her and she closed her eyes as she prepared to join Brigde in the here after. Suddenly she felt herself separate from the boat. It was a strange sensation but she had never fallen from a high point such as this. It felt as if she were floating rather than falling. Something was not right, thought Inue. Surely by now she should have fallen to her death. Or perhaps she had already died. Inue opened her eyes to see her ship smashed to tiny bits, strewn about the rocks below. Inue was floating above Sherlon Valley. She looked up to see a creature with the body of a Dweeler painted gold and wings of an eagle, smiling down at her. The creature was holding Inue by her back, carrying her to Brigde knows were. "Why had this creature rescued her?" she thought to herself. She closed here eyes again, hoping that she would soon awake from this dream. The creature continued to fly holding Inue tightly beneath him. Was she safe? For the moment perhaps she was. Inue then passed out in the flying creature’s arms. The night sky was clear and sparkling with stars, which reflected off of the lake below with beauty paralleled by no other view. The creature spoke to the sleeping Inue.

"You will be safe, child." The creature smiled and continued along its way.

The Warrior’s Pride

Civid Brightwaters sat in the Langford warrior’s guildhall, drinking a tall glass of rog. He spoke to his fellow warriors.

"I quest for the Sword of Wisdom. It shall bring me to the farthest reaches of our continent for certain. Once the sword is in my hand, much honor will I achieve." The warriors’ favorite past time was boasting to other warriors. In the guildhall, there would be as many as ten stories being told at one given time, each storyteller with his own audience. Most of them, outlandish and totally fabricated but it served as fine entertainment. One could always tell which stories were fantasy but none would say anything to a liar. When honor is at stake, one who challenges honor can end up with a sword in his gullet. The warrior’s guild was indeed a fine place for food, rog, and women. Soon Civid would find a room to sleep in and maybe even grab one of the wenches for a special treat. Civid had the life indeed. All smiles, all honor, much pride in his nobility was there. Much pride indeed.

Fate’s Opus

On the opposite side of the City Langford was the minstrel’s guild. Much more subdued than some of the other halls, it was a place of relaxation, friends, and music. Many a harp player, many a flute, and there was Lavin with his magical lute, strumming along with a beautiful young woman playing her mandolin. The woman was dressed in foreign garb with origin unknown to Lavin. When the song had reached its end, Lavin spoke to he woman.

"Where are you from, fair lady?" The woman looked at Lavin in a shy kind of way and responded.

"I come from the far south. From a city called Vantella." Her accent was as beautiful as her face and Lavin was very interested.

"What brings you to Langford?" asked Lavin.

"I am searching for my brother. He was looking for the sword of wisdom and was lost. He never returned." The sword! Lavin’s eyes widened. "What is it?" asked the woman. "You look frightened."

"I am on the same quest as your brother, to find the sword." said Lavin enthusiastically.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"Oh, I’m sorry, my name is Lavin the Lighthearted, from the village Tok." Lavin bowed and kissed her hand. He looked up at her from his kneeling position and asked "and yours is?"

"I am Thuma. Do you mind me asking a question, Lavin?"

"No, not at all."

"Would you mind if I quested with you? I am good with a sword and have alot of my brother’s research papers and maps about the sword. I know where it is hidden. I’m sure if I retrace my brother’s steps I will find him, dead or alive, with or without the sword." Lavin looked at the girl then down at his feet and said.

"There is something I must tell you. I must tell you why you cannot come with me."

"What is it?" she asked. Lavin didn’t want to tell her about his circumstance but he felt he had to.

"I am undertaking the Grand Ordeal. The mission is to retrieve the Sword of Wisdom."

"The Grand Ordeal?" Thuma looked puzzled. "What is this Ordeal you speak of?" Lavin realized that where she was from they most probably had different beliefs, different culture, she certainly looked different. Lavin then answered her.

"You see, it is a test to prove one’s honor. If I fail, I will be shamed by my people and my family as well, for generations to come. Anyone who helps me achieve my honor whilst knowing of my quest will be stricken of their honor as well." Thuma looked off to the side and thought a moment about what Lavin had just told her.

"But, where I am from, the people care not of these things. Love and friendship are more important than honor. I will come with you for you cannot succeed without me. I have papers you will need, things you must know about the sword." Lavin looked at Thuma. What a beautiful woman she was. Her skin was darker than those of his land and her hair was shiny, black as night.

"So let it be" said Lavin as he grabbed her hand. "We shall leave at sunrise. For now, I must find a room to sleep." Thuma looked into Lavin’s eyes. Something about this man intrigued her. She was strongly attracted to him like none other she had ever laid eyes upon.

"You can stay in my room with me." Thuma said to Lavin. Lavin looked in her eyes and smiled. He took Thuma’s hand and walked up the stairs towards the room she had reserved.

Aftermath to the Spoils of Ether

Dramos awoke in a puddle of water. The rain had begun but a few minutes ago. Dramos jumped up from his bed of straw and leaves and ran to the opening of the cave. The rain was falling hard, pelting against the large leaves of the tall oaks in the forest. It sounded like a war charge, ten thousand horses romping across the plains. Dramos had to get to the city quickly. He decided to take the road, knowing that the others would most definitely be in Langford by now. Dramos gathered his equipment and headed out. Leaping over shrubbery and large mushrooms, Dramos made way to the main road. The path was muddy and soft which made it very difficult for traversing by foot.

He trudged through the deep, murky mud for several hours before he finally arrived at the city gates. Dramos showed his wizard’s guild membership badge to the guard at the gates. The man lifted his halberd from Dramos’ path and nodded at him, implying that he may now pass. To enter the city, one must have a guild pass, a merchant order, or a notice from authorities. They were trying to keep the nomads and wanderers out. Dramos ran swiftly through the stone paved streets of Langford. Tall buildings of wood and brick and stone he flew past until finally reaching the guildhall. He opened the large steel door and entered abruptly to escape the rain. All of the members in the hall turned to look at Dramos. They saw his cloak and his sword and gathered his powers with their minds. Wizards of the guild often liked to access newcomers to make sure they weren’t here to start trouble. Dramos looked tired and drained so most returned to their interests paying little heed to his arrival. Dramos approached the Guild Master’s desk.

"What can I do for thee, young man?" asked the master of the guild.

"I’m looking for a man named Justubus." said Dramos. "He was a friend to my mentor, Yolarus. The master looked up at Dramos, stopping what he was doing.

"Yolarus? That’s not a name I’ve heard in many years. I was not even sure of him still to be alive."

"Oh he’s alive and well. I was sent by him to find Justubus. Can you help me?" asked Dramos.

"Oh yes, yes. Justubus. I will let him know you are here when he returns. He is out in the grove doing his prayers, he should be back shortly. Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll have a waitress come over to serve you whilst you wait" said the master.

"Very well. Just make sure you tell him who sent me."

"It shall be done." answered the master. Dramos took a seat on the farside of the room to wait for the arrival of the wise Justubus. who was spoke of to have knowledge about the Sword of Wisdom.

Life After Death

Inue woke up to a breeze. A warm breeze it was. Odd, she thought, just yesterday, the temperature was approaching freezing. She opened her eyes to witness a strange new environment. She was clothed in new purple, silk garments and wrapped in fine woven blankets. She looked around to gather her surroundings. She was in a dome shaped structure made of stone. Banners with images of Birds and mountains adorned the curved walls of this strange building. Inue heard talking coming from outside. She could hear people talking to each other but the words were not comprehensible to her. It was a tongue very foreign to her people. The door swung open and the room was flooded with sunlight, blinding Inue. She had to squint to see what was happening. She caught a glimpse of a large silhouette of what looked to her to be some kind of large bird. The being closed the door behind it and the lighting returned to normal. Inue was able to get a better look at this being. He looked much like a Dweeler, but much taller. He had large wings tucked behind his broad shoulders, a muscular physique and his skin was gold. He wore little clothing, just a loincloth, boots and a quiver of arrows strapped to his back. His body was hairless with the exception of a blond ponytail protruding from the top of his head. The birdman was very handsome, thought Inue, but she had never seen or heard of such a creature. She asked.

"Do you understand me?" The man looked at Inue and replied

"I do, child." Then Inue remembered her incident. Falling from the river, being saved by the creature.

"Am I dead. Is this the hereafter?" asked Inue. The creature looked at her with a puzzled face.

"Many questions child, rest. They will all be answered soon enough." The figure said as he turned away from Inue and started towards the door.

"Wait!" cried Inue. "I need to know what is happening! Where am I?" The creature stopped, turned his head slightly and said

"If the time must be now than so be it. Come with me, child." Inue rose from her seat and followed the strange being out of the house.

They walked down narrow paths paved in beautiful wood, so soft on the foot. Trees of all colors surrounded her. Blue foliage with green flowers hung over her head like clouds above her. She had never seen a world like this before. The man led her to a large stone door covered with purple ivy and gold trim. The door opened to reveal more winged people sitting round a table. One at the head of the table rose and spoke.

"Welcome, child. This is a quite unexpected visit. None of your kind have ever been in our land before, but I do sense something about you which makes me feel comfortable in your presence." The man sat back down and leaned back in his chair.

"None of my kind have even the knowledge of your people or your land." said Inue.

"Ha ha ha ha!," the being laughed and the others started to smirk and giggle a bit. "How arrogant your species is. You, with your hierarchy and superstition... Dare not the ones who know of us speak it? The ones of your kind who do know of us are the ones with true honor, the ones who would not betray us. Your culture and all their honor. Know thee not what honor is child, but hold it in your soul I can see. Sent on a quest to prove honor? A grand ordeal? Rather it is a mockery of intelligence." Inue thought for a minute for something to say in defense of her people but she could not. She had never heard the perspective come from another race.

"Who are you?" asked Inue.

"We are called the Grakons, the keepers of the stones. This place where you are is very far from your homeland, far above the clouds themselves. My name is Trathicus. I am simply a spokesman for my people for I am well trained in your language. There was a time when all Grakons spoke your language, but times have changed. We have no leader, no hierarchy, we are one people divided by none.

"Well, why did you save my life?"

"We do not normally interfere with your people’s problems, in fact we very rarely travel that far from our home, but when we have the chance we do help. Everything happens for a reason, Inue. Perhaps fate has something to do with our meeting. You must promise us one thing though." Inue looked around the room at the other Grakons staring at her.

"What must I promise?" asked Inue.

"The condition in which you honor our wishes by never telling your people about us. We know that you have some concept of honor, be it that of a primitive nature." Trathicus said as he looked sternly at Inue.

"I will honor your wishes" replied Inue.

"Thank you child. We will bring you back to your land as soon as you wish." said one of the other Grakons.

"I wish to leave now if a problem be it not." said Inue.

"Very well, child" replied Trathicus. "Follow me. We can bring you as close as the Forest of Good Hope, no closer" Trathicus looked down upon Inue as they walked side by side. Trathicus towered over Inue by two feet.

"That’s perfect." Inue said. The Forest of Good Hope was on the other side of the Serpent Spine Mountains. She would have had to cross the mountains by foot or by boat had she not strayed from her path. This might even put her ahead of the rest if her return was as swift as her trip here. They arrived at the edge of the mountain. Below, all Inue could see were clouds. Another Grakon came shortly after to meet them. Trathicus spoke to him in his native tongue.

"Thank you, Trathicus." said Inue. Trathicus put his hand on Inue’s head.

"Goodnight, child" he said and Inue passed into unconsciousness. The other Grakon caught her before she hit the floor and put Inue in a leather pouch, which hung from his belly. He then leapt from the cliff and dove down, disappearing into the clouds below them.

Dempost the prophet stood close behind Trathicus.

"There is something about that girl, Trathicus. Somehow she is connected with the Sthril’ells. Something in going on, I can sense it. I feel that the time to take action is approaching in the most rapid fashion," said Dempost.

"I can feet it too. But there is something else, something evil. I get a cold feeling in my bones, like a great upheaval of justice." The Grakons were appointed, many millenium ago, by the Gods to be the defenders of truth and justice throughout the land. "I will not know for certain until...." just as Trathicus was about to finish his sentence, another Grakon ran up behind him and interrupted.

"Trathicus! Something bad has happened. It is of great importance." said the Grakon.

"Well, what is it?" Asked Trathicus. He had a bad feeling about what he was about to hear.

"Srevak has escaped!" he responded. Trathicus turned to face the messenger and his eyes lit up like the stars of the south sky.

"So this is what I hath felt! It looks as if our time is running out faster that even you have forseen, Dempost!."

"Indeed, Trathicus." replied Dempost. "I shall find out more of this Inue girl and the Sthril’ells directly from the Gods. Tantarus should be around here somewhere. He should be able to help you with Srevak. Odd that he was not the first to sense his escape."

"Yes, odd indeed, but I also sense a great disturbance in the Sthril’ell ether. I shall find Tantarus."

The Warrior’s Tale

A bit earlier, Civid Brightwaters had woken and made his way down the stairs of the warrior’s guildhall. He sat beside the bar. Civid sat for none but a fraction of a second before he began to stand and speak.

"I quest for the sword of wisdom!" he yelled aloud for all to hear. "Who here knows of where it may be?" The hall went silent for a moment as Civid pivoted his view from side to side. A man in the back of the room stood and answered Civid’s request.

"I have heard tale of the sword!" He said. Civid walked over to the large, burly, bearded man. The man wore armor of bronze and wielded a long, broad sword.

"Tell the tale, if you would, kind sir." Said Civid politely to the man.

"Sit, sir...." the man said as he stopped and waited for Civid to finish his sentence.

"Civid Brightwaters is my name, and you are?"

"My name is Relsun, Relsun the Brave. The tale is as I tell it, so listen ye my speak." A crowd had gathered around the table to hear Relsun’s tale. All in the guild have probably heard Relsun tell it more than a million times before. Civid sat at the table with Relsun. "The sword was welded of steel, the strongest! It was welded by none other than the great sword smith and warrior, Langford, for whom our fair city hath acquired its name." The crowd began to stir and a triumphant wave of yays emanated from it. Relsun continued. "The sword was waged by Langford during the great battle of Garvasia. The noble of Garvasia had their hands full that day." Relsun paused and smiled. Garvasia was a rival country to the north. The crowd stirred once again and silenced when Relsun began to speak. "The sword of wisdom was lost that day. Langford, as strong as he might and as powerful as his sword may have been, was outnumbered and stricken down. He was stricken down by Sir Treelark of Sadia, a great Garvasian warrior was he, Treelark." The crowd sighed in disappointment. "Treelark kept the sword but could not wield it for he was not pure of heart, his sould was tainted. The sword was locked in Treelark’s vault. Several years after Treelark’s death, his keep hath fell siege to an army of vandals. The sword was taken even further north! Rumor has it that the leader of that once vandal tribe set foot a kingdom to the north of Garvasia, deep within the barren wastes of the arctic. No doubt that the sword is still there. I heard tale of an ice breathing dragon who lives high atop a snowy mountain. He hoards all kinds of treasures. One man from the north told tale that the sword of wisdom is held within that cave. Many have quested, Civid. None have returned."

Civid rose from his chair. "I must be gone. I have a sword to find."

"You shall do it alone?" asked Relsun.

"I cannon ask for anyone’s help, lest they lose their honor." replied Civid. Relsun’s eyes lit up.

"The Grand Ordeal is it?" asked Relsun. Civid nodded. "Ahh, I nearly forgot it was that time of year. I understand Civid, then journey alone you must." A man from the back of the bar came forth through the crowd.

"I wish to join you in the Grand Ordeal." he said. The other warriors laughed in a highly raucous manor.

"You, young Bry? You will quest with a warrior?" The way Relsun said that gave a sarcastic hint that Bry was not a true warrior.

"But you will risk being dishonored, lad." said Civid. The crowd laughed again. a voice came from within.

"He has no honor to lose!" The laughter continued. Bry walked up to Civid.

"Please let me come with you. I have no honor and if we succeed at least I might gain some respect around here. I am diligent and a good fighter. Maybe not as flashy as the others but my horse is swift and I travel light." The young Bry looked at Civid with he burning desire to achieve. Civid looked around at the laughing hordes of drunken warriors then back at Bry.

"Well said, Bry, come now, we have no time to waste." Civid and Bry walked out together. On horseback they would head to cross the great Serpent Spine Mountains, which lay about a day’s ride to the north. Much lay in wait for the two young adventurers.

Beginnings

"These wet clothes are weighing me down, dear Lavin." cried Thuma from behind.

"I agree," said Lavin, "we should take a halt and let them dry." Lavin and Thuma stopped at the river’s edge. They took off their clothes and hung them over some rocks to dry in the sun. Lavin and Thuma lay beneath a tree growing from the very edge of the riverside. They gazed up at the sky and at the birds swooping in and out of the tree, dive-bombing insects and such. The birds were beautiful. Red feathers with blue tipped wings, and manes of gold they had.

"Aren’t the birds majestic?" said Thuma. Lavin looked up at the birds then back down at Thuma, and back to the sky again.

"Not as beautiful as you are, fair Thuma." Lavin said shyly. Thuma rolled over next to Lavin and curled up beside him, leaning her head on his chest and holding firmly onto his arm. Lavin smiled and ran his had through her long, flowing, black hair. Her camel skin hood had kept her hair dry and beautiful during the rain storm. Lavin had never felt love before. He didn’t know what to think. He wasn’t even sure if these new feelings he had were love or just some silly infatuation. Never the less, Lavin was happy with Thuma’s companionship and he felt a strong bond between them.

"Thuma?" Lavin addressed his companion.

"Yes, Lavin." Thuma replied.

"There are things you must know about me." Lavin reached over and grabbed his lute. "This instrument... it is of magic. When I play it, I am able to sing tale of the future to come."

"That’s incredible. I have heard of such a lute but thought it was but a myth," said Thuma excitedly.

"So you believe me?"

"Of course my dear Lavin. I do not sense that you would tell tale of the falsest to me, your counterpart." Lavin took Thuma in his arms and held her close to him.

"Shall I play a song for you?"

"Yes, please" Thuma replied. Lavin sat up against the tree and held his lute in hand. Lavin closed his eyes and began to play. It was as if he were in a trance, another world. Words started to flow from his mouth. Thuma listened intently. Lavin sung of a passageway through the mountains, an underground tunnel that would lead them to the other side. Lavin finished his song. Thuma smiled and clapped for him. "The tunnel is to the east of here. If we get moving, we can get there before twilight is upon us." Lavin said as he jumped up to check if his clothes had dried. "We will stop in the village Slemma for supplies. It is on the way." Lavin put his nearly dry trousers on.

"You must tell me how you came to have this glorious instrument, Lavin."

"Come, get dressed. I’ll tell you all about it on our way to Slemma." Thuma rose from the ground and walked over to Lavin. She put her arms around him and pressed her naked body against him. Lavin put his arms around Thuma and ran his hands up and down her back. Lavin kissed Thuma and touched her smooth cheek and neck with his fingertips. They gazed into each other’s eyes and kissed again. Thuma dropped to the floor and lay in a manor that implied for Lavin to join her. Lavin sat next to Thuma and touched her stomach and breasts. "I think we can wait for our clothes to dry a bit more" Lavin said to Thuma before he began to kiss her.

The Trials of Time

The fog began to roll through the streets of Langford, thinker than the breath from old Dragon Grog. The dark mage walked through the alleyways, many a puddle under foot. The aura of this shadowy figure emanated and touched the very hearts of those passerbys. Much a steady pace this man walked, long, dark, purple cloak cascading about.

Dramos sat, waiting in the Wizard’s Guild for Justubus to arrive. He drank his mug of tea, catching quick glances of the people sitting in the near empty guildhall. The barkeep was chatting with an old man. The man at the front desk was reading a book, and lost in his own world. There was a table with four men sitting round. They were talking under their breaths as if they had much secrecy in their speak.

A bit of sunlight peeked through the heavy fog and a beam came shooting through the round stained glass window above the main doorway. It shone blue light to the ground. The door opened and a chill ran up Dramos’ spine. The figure appeared in the doorway, six feet tall, glowing with energy. This was a wizard of great power and experience. The man walked in and nodded at the front deskman. His eyes were glowing the deepest red. His long, white hair flowed over his face as the wind hit it. The man removed his purple cloak and hung it in the closet. Under his cloaks were chain linked armor, which covered every bit of exposed flesh. This was no ordinary chain main though. The chains were made of a green metal. None like this had Dramos ever laid eyes upon. Dramos looked away from the man to make it look like he wasn’t staring. The man walked over to Dramos’ table. Dramos tried to ignore him.

"Dramos..." said the man. Dramos looked at the man in surprise.

"How do you know my name?" asked Dramos.

"I know many things, young Dramos. We must talk. I am the one fo whom you have been waiting. My name is Justubus." Justubus removed his green glove and reached his arm over the table to offer a handshake. Justubus could feel the power held within Dramos’ soul. Dramos looked at Justubus’ hand. His skin was old and shriveled, obviously aged beyond the years of his own mentor, Yolarus, whose actual age has eluded Dramos even tot his day. Dramos shook his hand.

"Please sit, I was sent by Yolarus." said Dramos.

"I know young Dramos, I could feel you approaching. replied Justubus. He sat down in the chair across from Dramos then looked at the young wizard. "Young Dramos, how wonderful it must be to be young. I remember when I was of your age and vitality. Back in those days when our world was a much different place. I must tell you something, Dramos. I was on this world even before the Sword of Wisdom was forged.