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[Poniatowski]

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The sound of Poniatowski’s tired, shuffling footsteps echoed off of the cavern walls surrounding him. Though he had no true concept of time this deep into the underworld, it seemed as though he had been walking for days. His supplies spent, and with no conceivable hope of finding food or drink, Poniatowski was becoming increasingly convinced that this seemingly endless journey would be the end of him, once and for all.
He cursed himself for the folly he had inflicted upon himself, listening to a voice in his head. What madness could have persuaded him to abandon Kira for the horrid fate of a death, alone, in the depths of the land? But yet, there was the strange rune he had found on his person… Perhaps, in his madness, he had placed the rune himself? Pon erupted in a primal scream of despair, “Did you bring me here to die!?!?” His howl echoed up and down the cavern. As if on cue, two points of light sprang to life in the distance.

Hope rekindled, Poniatowski quickened his pace, breaking into a run made awkward by his fatigue and the uneven cavern floor. The source quickly resolved before Pon’s eyes…two braziers burning brightly with an unnatural blue flame, an elegant throne between them. Pon drew to a halt before this scene, his eyes searching for a sense to it all. What would these things be doing here, of all places? Fatigue and despair overcoming him once more, Pon sank to the cavern floor, eyes locked on the throne.

A familiar voice rang in Pon’s head, “I did not bring you here to die, Poniatowski.” A familiar visage appeared on the throne in the form of a gentle wraith. Reflexively, Pon bowed his head to the wraith. The voice intoned again, except this time from the mouth of the wraith, “Poniatowski, loyal Poniatowski, I brought you here to learn the path forward. I need you, a man I can trust, a man of Earth, to clear the path for my return.” A look of mild consternation crossed Pon’s face at there words, “My Lord… These are all things that I knew and accepted. I have sworn myself to you and made great strides in building the Order necessary to serve your interests. Why bring me here to tell me these things again? Why order me to abandon my betrothed just to hear this once more?”

The cavern was silent for a moment as Pon and the wraith locked gazes. Finally the wraith spoke, “I brought you here Poniatowski, to learn the Truth. You have found the Courage within yourself, but you do not yet have belief in the Truth of your convictions. More importantly, you are haunted by ghosts from your past, hopes and dreams of things that can never be. These things must be put to rest in the light of Truth.” Pon did not break his gaze as he replied, “With all due respect My Lord, how could you possibly know what ghosts haunt me? Though you have my full loyalty and respect, I know full well that, however great, you are only a man, not a god.”

The wraith intoned once more, “Poniatowski, you and I hail from the same realm. As such, we are connected in a unique way. I do not have to read your thoughts to know that you harbor a desire to return home. You hope that by being loyal to me you will learn the means to do so, as I have.” Pon’s face conveyed his shame at the truth of the wraith’s words. The wraith continued, “Beyond this area is a chamber housing a powerful artifact, the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Look upon its pages and find peace in knowing the Truth. But do not attempt to take it. It must remain here.”

Pon stood, bowing his head solemnly and once more accepting the orders of the absent monarch. Before he could walk forward the wraith spoke once more, “Poniatowski, the Codex is guarded by a powerful beast which you must defeat if you intend to look upon its pages. I cannot aid you directly, but I have something that will aid you.” The wraith stood and walked to Pon drawing a sheathed sword as it moved. Upon reaching Pon, the wraith lightly handed the gleaming blade over, speaking as it did, “This blade is precious and powerful. With it I have faith that you will prevail.” Holding the sword before him, Pon silently saluted the wraith and moved forward down the cavern. The wraith silently returned the salute and spoke on last time, “Walk with the Virtues Sir Poniatowski and your path will always be true.”

As Pon walked forward the light of the braziers subsided and the wraith was gone. Within a matter of minutes, Pon noticed a new light appear in the distance. As he drew near, Pon could see he was entering a large, lit, dome-like area of the cavern. At the center stood an ornate shrine, stairs leading up to an altar bearing an object, and object which Pon knew must be the Codex.

Pon scanned the cavern for a sign of the beast the wraith had warned him of. His eyes could detect nothing amiss and so he continued forward. Perhaps his Lordship had been mistaken? Somewhat relieved Pon approached the shrine. As he was about to place a foot upon the first step, the hair on his neck stood reflexively. Something was behind him, he knew it. Before wheeling about to meet his fate, Pon spoke softly to himself, “And so it begins…”