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Arcana · Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 11:57 pm Post subject: Destiny Revealed

[a reintroduction of the Knights of Sosaria, and old guild that is now rebuilding]

Long ago, when the world was young and alone under the Felucca moon, a young man known only as Wolf founded a noble band of adventurers – the Knights of Sosaria. The Knights and their families settled on the plains of Trinsic and rebuilt on the ruins of the village of Paws. They called their town Elysium.

The Knights soon discovered that restless souls haunted their town. They were the ghosts of Paws, and the ghosts of Lord Wolf’s past. But that is another tale, and all that shall be said here is that by their noble deeds, the Knights and their allies brought justice to the slain citizens of Paws, and Elysium grew peaceful.

Before they departed the mortal plane, the ghosts of Paws entrusted the Knights with a very important task. A task they themselves had died to fulfill.

Protect the Book of Destiny.

The Knights were at first puzzled; the ghosts had given no hint as to what this artifact might be or why it would require their protection. Then Lord Wolf’s daughter, Lady Nova, discovered a most unusual book in the ruined village. Its cover was a dynamic blue that seemed to shift its precise shade with the sky, and a palpable aura of power surrounded it. As soon as Lord Wolf’s hand brushed its cover, he knew it to be to Book of Destiny.

But its name was the only information that would initially be gained from the Book. Its pages were filled with seeming gibberish that not even the most learned scholars could recognize as any sort of language. Some of the Knights felt that the book spoke to them and gave it long hours, even years, of study. The fruits of their labors, if any, are unknown, for these Knights are no longer here to tell us.

And so the Book was locked in a secure store room and largely forgotten. Years passed, and new generations of Knights came and went. The world split in two, and the Knights moved to the new world under the Trammel moon. The Book was locked in a new store room and forgotten again.

Gradually, old Elysium was abandoned. In its place on the new facet, the Knights constructed a magnificent castle and named it Elysium, after their old home. Though the Knights did not understand the Book of Destiny, they had become and educated order with a great love for knowledge. They collected great numbers of volumes, filled with knowledge of travels throughout Sosaria. Most books held enchanted runes to carry the reader to their destination, and Elysium Castle became renown as a rune library.

Having left their old village behind, the Knights spent more and more time in Trinsic. As their presence and numbers grew, so did their influence in the city. The King of Britannia, Lord British, mysteriously vanished, leaving chaos in his wake. As loyal subjects of their King, the Knights and others gave their support to Dayel Stormcrow as Regent, and those who held the office after him. For their support and cooperation with the Regent’s allies, the Knights were entrusted to protect Trinsic as part of the Trinsic Council of Honor. Central authority not being quite what it was as in Lord British’s time, the Regent created the Duchy of Trinsic and elevated the current Lord and Lady of the Knights to be its Duke and Duchess. These were Duke Sir Robert of Trinsic, and Duchess Arcana Arryn of Vesper.

And so things continued for a time, the Knights striving to protect their chosen city and to be a force for honor and justice in the realm in these troubled times. Their attention turned to warfare, and their library fell into disrepair.

One day Lord British at last returned to his kingdom, but only to say farewell. Forever. The King appointed a council to rule in his place, and the Knights knew their service to the Regent was done. Perhaps no realm is truly complete without its liege lord, or perhaps the council had simply not been in power long enough, but the Knights saw much injustice still in the world.

Yet the Knights were unsure of their course. Did they not owe Trinsic their loyalty? What had their founders – now gone from the realm – wished for their order? In this confusion, the Knights dwindled. Years of constant battle had taken their toll, and many Knights were now too heartsick and world weary to take a new squire.

Heatedly discussing the issue on night in their dusty castle, the Knights suddenly fell silent. They had all distinctly heard a voice. Not aloud with their ears, but in their minds and in their hearts.

Following the insistent tug of the voice, the Knights came to a disused, dusty storeroom. They had to move several ancient barrels of brandy and then force the door, for it had been long since anyone had seen the castle keys. After sneezes all around, one of the Knights thrust his torch into the musty gloom.

They beheld the Book of Destiny, gleaming softly in the torchlight under a thick layer of dust. A second Knight gently smoothed the dust away and slowly opened the cover. The Book opened with a long flash of white light, which spilled from its pages and caught the motes of dust in the air and quite diminished the torchlight.

The Book’s heretofore quiet voice grew into a song, and it revealed to the Knights their destiny, though when they heard it, they found they had know it all along.

The Book's words fell on each Knight's ears a little differently, and perhaps it had words only for them, but one message at least was constant. The Knights were not merely knights of Trinsic. They were the Knights of Sosaria. They stood for honor and virtue. They were not to languish into oblivion in their isolated castle; they were to go forth into the world, find their long-absent comrades, regain the fellowship they'd one had, and truly stand for their beliefs.

Their first task, they all agreed, was to locate the long-absent Lady Arcana...

Guest · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:55 am Post subject:

Black was out hunting when he heard the news. A hawk flew in and was a scroll attached to its claw. Black unrolled the scroll and read it to himself. It appears Lord Breti has left a message at theDrunken Dragon about the impending changes to the KOS leadership. Black sheathed his sword and headed to the castle. As he began to prepare his words of the Sacred Journey, he wonders what the outcome might be. With that he is gone.

Once at the castle he heads in and up stairs where he leaves off his mount. As he looks on the boards, he sees numerous posts and notes to each other and travelers alike. He shuffles through till he finds it. He begins to read it to himself quietly. Suddenly a slight smile adorns his lips. It is official then. The new begining of KOS will go as planned.

Now suddenly he realizes there is much work to be done. The word must be spread now more than ever his mates would need their best effort yet. They would have to stand proud and speak highly of the guild if they were ever to rebuild. The decision to move the guild house to Arcana’s Riverun would be great for the guild to be seen. It was just S.W. of the Vesper bank. A bustling area, near a very busy city. Arcana had mentioned that Riverun was undergoing some renovations to accommodate the guild. He decided to head over there and see how it was coming along.

tal · Visitor Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Posts: 14

Long years it seemed to me that I had been walking aimlessly across Britannia. Longer still had the sense of need or of purpose been vacant from my soul. There were still evils in the lands true, though Fellucca was now even more cold and barren then at any time before. Ilshenar and Malas too seemed subdued and without purpose. All seemed lost and adrift in the world around me. Once I had purpose, cause, goals. Now it was only empty hours.

Sitting in my home I tried nightly, in vain, to recall some purpose. It eluded me and touched at the fringe of my memory. Yet I could not recall, as if some spell had been cast to wipe my mind clear of purpose and reason. It was there, I knew it. But what it was, and not knowing, only made my life sadder, deeper in despair.

Then one night all this changed. A long lost memory began to stir, of what I know not. Yet it was there and my heart could hear its call and intent. Return to the Tower of KOS. More of a pulling of the soul than the knowing of the mind. Yet in this sadness I wanted not to leave, to venture forth, only to sit in my gloom and let times passing end my life.

But my heart would not have it. Before I was truly aware I was upon horseback and riding south to Trinsic. I knew my course as one knows a road well traveled. This road was once traveled often by me and I began to recall each oak and birch, each rock and turn in that road. My mind then began to awake and sadness blew away as fog on a mornings sea breeze.

Ere two days passed I reached the Tower of KOS and found there other Knight of our guild. So few there were. What had happened? Where were the rest? Again, my heart told me we were what was left of this once mighty guild. The Knights of Sosaria were on the brink of disappearing, of becoming not legend, nor songs of great deeds. We had all been pulled back to this place. But to what purpose I yet wondered.

The tower was cold and dark, no light ushered from within as it had done in times long past. From within I heard the calling of my name, faintly though it was. I know others heard theres also for as one we began to follow the calling. Many of the halls were now strewn with dust and spider webs hung low from the ceiling high above. At last we came to an old door, long had it been since last opened. I remembered that door.

We forced the door as a great cloud of dust and cobwebs drifted slowly from within. With caution and torches we entered this dusty tomb. Finder there a book. A book that stirred more memories in my mind. As if suddenly awake from the deepest slumber I now knew why I had come, why we had come. For this was the Book Of Destiny. This was the Book we had sworn to protect and it had called us back to that oath. It had brought us out of our nightmares to delivered to us again our destiny and purpose.

The opening of the book was as if a blinding light had entered the room and we shielded our eyes but for a moment. Now our path was clearer and we knew now what was to be done. The Book was to be protected and Lady Arcana was to be our guide.

Deidle · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 2:07 pm Post subject:

Deidle awoke, groggy from the previous nights events. He sat up, wiped his eyes and grabed a shirt from the floor, slowly pulling it on. He sat for a while lost in the thoughts of what had transpired.

"The book of Destiny..." the words seemed to fall from his lips and all the memories of the past night came flooding back to him. How the Knights of Sosaria had been mired, waiting for a slow death to come to the once noble guild. How they had all heard the voice that night. The calling of the past. A calling to their souls, to all as a whole, yet also calling them individualy. The book seemed to speak with many voices, one for each mind that lay before it waiting and listening patiantly.

He could not process this all at once. What the book had shown him and the changes that were now to happen. It was all too much. So after a short breakfast he got dressed and went for a walk amongst the forest spirits in the Trinsic jungle. In this peace and tranquility he could finaly begin to peice together what the book had shown him. He remembered that the book had shown him images but it had conveyed most of its message through emotions. He saw a long and loving life with his beloved bride Nkai. He felt great joy and honor as visions of his comrads in the KOS flashed before him. He saw old faces and new, all entering the ranks of the Knights. Lastly he saw an image of the Knights as a whole and was suddenly overwhelmed by a bright golden light and a feeling of warmth. He smiled as all of this came back to him. He found a spot in the sun and layed back, looking up at the sky as if it were the first time he had seen it. To him it was the first time. The first time in what he thought to be a new golden age. He knew he could not get too comforted by these thoughts. For like most destinies, this one could change and no future is certain. It was up to the people to make this future happen.

Just as this thought crossed his mind a small peice of parchment floated down and landed on his stomach. He looked up and saw a shadow of a bird as it flew by. He grabed the paper and unfolded it. The words made him smile as they spoke of the begining of the changes to come. The leader to the new age had been chosen. The lady Arcana would be their guide. He found joy in this. Great respect he had for the lady. He also had great respect for the one he considered his mentor, Sir Robert. It takes a great man to step aside and let another lead. But he knew that Sir Robert would be by Arcana's side as her second.

With all this he found himself quite overjoyed. So he slowly closed his eyes and took a mid afternoon nap amongst the trees.
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*The only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.*

Arieus De'Chevia · Lore Master Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 1132

Once, when his heart was set on a path within, Arieus had heard the rumors and lore a wondrous destiny, now it seemed another path was open, and thus, being the curious sort, did he follow it straight to Malas. Squelched, was his feeling of old, for tasks and knightly duties were much clearer to him, as the new path lead to what seemed to be honor in so keeping, surrounding and linking to his mind, the other virtues. His past destiny of old forgotten lore was misplaced and warped, and then covered with a blanket of neglect. The present, or so it seemed, currently beheld glimmers of that once arcane visage, though the feeling was not nearly as intense within the venerable halls of KoS.

Now, Arieus De’Chevia, no longer present for the awakening of once fellows, and also well into a branched path of life did however stop in his tracks and take note of strange inner warmth. A visage of an ocean of sky blue upon the waves in his conscious was a familiar sail, one that bore a tale and the standard of old. The sail being taken in and well mended by time, and the vessel cresting along the waves gave recollection to his subconscious that it was in good command.

The visage and waking dream quickly faded, though it is foggy and tainted with many a layer of dust. Suddenly and before him stood the halls of The Gauntlet, and there did he sigh, yet smiled, thinking perhaps to know that his foundation as a knight, still intact, was being bettered by a remodeling of friends.

If this visage was truly The Book of Destiny somehow awakened, embedded and soiled to his foundations as a person, he knew that light would reign down and provide a mantel of hope for all, most especially KoS. He made one final note, before ascending the stairs and assume his position within The Gauntlet, to check his old uniform stowed awhile back, if only for old time’s sake, the colors of purple and tan were the adornment of the individual he had become today.

He hopped, inwardly, to know the meaning of this feeling, truly, for not had he seen a particular noble archer for awhile, those green eyes continually haunting his soul. He smiled and placed this trinket of a feeling back were in currently belonged, in the back of his mind, and assumed his station presently.
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Nkai Moonwatyr · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 3:16 pm Post subject:

She had been gone for some time from her family and friends. Traveling, adventuring, seeing all that this world she now called her home had to offer. And though she dreamt still of her old life and her lost children, they were now intertwined with dreams of her new family.
Looking out across the shining ocean before her, she could almost hear it calling for her, beckoning her to explore its vast expanse, to continue on her quest to cleanse herself...
Hesitantly, she looked back over her shoulder. Disquiet and unsure, she clenched her eyes shut and cursed softly.
Honor bound her. Loyalty bound her. Love and Friendship bound her. Stronger than any chain and tighter than any noose, they pulled her relentlessly back to her family. With a soft sigh and a last wistfull glance over the water, she turned her ostard back the other way.
She had been gone for some time. Too long perhaps. It was time to go home.

She traveled long, and she traveled hard. When she slept, it was only to grant her mount enough time to rest. Perhaps that was why she picked up a persistant virus from that miserable little hovel of a town she had unwisely chosen to stop at. Her nose ran, her head ached, and she coughed until she saw stars. Alone and sick, she suddenly missed the brush of her Deidle's fingertips on her face, the long nights of drinking and rabble rousing with Velma, and in an strange way she even missed Sir Robert's odd little Dodo. A fierce grin lit her face as she considered the future before her.

The days flew by, and mile by mile she came closer and closer to her destination. She was covered in dirt and sweat and was still suffering from some of the afteraffects of that nasty virus when she and her weary mount came across a small Inn only a few hours travel from her home. Sniffing herself expirimentally, she grimaced and turned pale. Ye gods, how she reeked! She could hardly crawl home in this state, thus she decided to afford herself the luxery of a soft bed, and more importantly, a HOT bath at the Inn.

It was late when she made her way up to her room, but she was full, clean, and contentidly tired. Her dragon scale armor and scythe sat gleaming in the moonlight on the chair next to her bed. She had decided, after her first bath, that perhaps it was the culprit of the odor that she hadn't been able to scrub away. It most definately had been. She blew out the candle and slipped into the awaiting bed. Its soft linens felt like silk against her weathered skin and she soon fell alseep.

Dreams assailed her throughout the night. In one she saw a book, its pages glowing brightly as motes of dust danced like glitter in its light. Dark hazy forms of comrades and kegs of brandy? (she made a mental note as to where they had been shoved) in a long forgotten storage room. The dream faded as she tossed restlessly in her sleep. When again she dreamt, she stood on a towering cliff overlooking the endless sea, the waves below her churned maddly and crashed against the sharp rocks. The moon hung bright and crisp and the harsh wind tore at her, flinging her hair and clothes from side to side. A faint song carried itself eerily over the water, but when she searched, she could find no source. Then a voice came to her, clear as a bell over the roaring of the sea. It spoke to her... to her? A chill wind blew in suddenly through her open window, and as she shivered violently, the dream faded. Confused and disoriented, her mind wandered, floating on the edge of dreams. She saw her husband, at a tavern drinking... wine?!?? She mentally shook herself and the dream changed to a forested area, a figure walking silently amongst its shadows. Sadness and weariness fell from the shape like droplets of water, yet there was the scent of pride and contentment about it too. More confusing was the aura of familiarity about it, as if it were someone she knew. She willed her dream self closer to the dark form and gasped as it seemed to sense her aproach and green eyes flashed in the moonlight.
Lady Arcana?!??!

She awoke suddenly to the sun shining brightly in her eyes and a feathered form sat hunched on the headboard glaring at her. Blinking rapidly, she rubbed the grit of sleep from her eyes. An abrupt thunk to the head retunred her attention to the bird. Rolling to her knees she picked up the scroll the bird had dropped on her head and grumbled as it left another 'present' on the pillow. Seeing that its job was done, the bird flew back through the open window. As she hurled curses after it, she caught sight of the wax seal on the scroll and stopped cold. Arcana's seal! She gasped as the dreams came to her awoken mind and she tried to make sense of them. The image of a glowing book filled her vision and four words burned on her lips as she reveled in the glory of the sacred thing, and a hidden part of her exulted in its power.
The Book of Destiny...
After anxiously perusing the letter, she dropped it to the floor and let out a shout of joy. She allowed herself enough time to throw on her armor and strap on her weapon before she hurtled out of the room and down to the stable. She tossed a bag of coins at the startled innkeeper as she claimed her mount and tore out on the stableyard like a creature possessed.
It seems she had missed a few things around her guild, and she didnt intend to let that happen again. Shouting again in joy, she set her eyes on the rising sun and headed home.
_________________
- Nkai Moonwatyr,
Drunken Knight-Errant, KOS

"Never play leapfrog with a Unicorn"

Guest · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:30 pm Post subject:

Black was frequenting the taverns of Brit this night. All was well. He sat amongst the empty mugs as he celebrated events of recent days. While the guild was in order, he had also met with a well known sage who was kind enough to fill his need for skeletal dragon bone at a price but he was happy, and even delivered the elixir himself. His brother was getting much better. This gave Black a chance to really concentrate on the guild. As he ordered another ale for himself and one for the woman who has accompanied him. Not sure where he met her but for the night she was good company. Then a familiar man had approached.

Evann was a good friend of Blacks when they were kids and into middle age as well. They were almost always together. As they got older they began to compete with one another. One [Black] the warrior, professed quickly under the watch of one Sir Dallen a noble from Minoc. The other [Little E] the mage also professed quickly under Sir Callad a colleague of Sir Dallen. The competition was intense at times, both still polite to one another. Then a slight falling out coupled with Black moving on they have lost contact.

Evann had sat next to Black and explained to him, a dream the mage had envisioned. He spoke of a great pull to Black. A very specific force brought him. The guild you travel with has control of a very powerful book, The Book of Destiny he called it. He has search for the past 10 years for the book. It called to him then and he has only recently learned of its whereabouts. The books told him were to travel to study it. The writing unreadable, legend has it. He has heard many stories in his search. Black very confused now, realizes he to had a similar vision a week or so ago. But he was not thinking clearly now. He was all liquored up and seemingly thrown into this situation so suddenly. Little E had offered to take Black and his company there. He must be allowed to speak to his guild leader in the morning. He is willing to offer his services to KOS in exchange he will help them and himself to learn all he can from its writings. Black says he will speak to Lady Arcana tomorrow. With that Black sets Evann up in the guest house for the night. The sun will rise soon.

Guest · Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 6:33 pm Post subject:

Black Sabbath had just finished his quick visit to the shrines. Black visited this day to gain wisdom before the pending meeting. It would be the first gathering since all the changes took place. He had just entered a gate to Luna where he visited the bank before heading over to the castle. As he muttered the words of sacred journey he suddenly vanished, only to find himself outside the castle walls. As he viewed his immediate area finding only small woodland creatures that posed no threat to anyone, he looked up to see Tal wandering about the castles rampart. Observing the area around the castle, he noticed Black and waved. Black headed upstairs to the Drunken Dragon tavern where it appeared a few had arrived already. Black dismounted and told his mount to stay as he offered the steed a fresh juicy red apple for its loyalty. He patted him and walked through the doorway into the tavern. Black noticed a few mates that he had not seen in so long. Nkai arrived seemingly nursing a slight virus of some sort. Moonie followed her by mere minutes. After some casual conversation and a few ales, Vlad had shown up. The turnout was going well. Kos’s ranks had been depleted and this was almost everyone he thought to himself. Arcana had still not arrived and no Sir Robert as of yet. While they waited for their Lord and Lady to arrive they all consumed a number of ales. Arcana had arrived and walked up the stairs. She smiled as she greeted the others. She had mentioned a surprise was to be coming after some of the meeting had begun. They started to engage in some guild matters now. They had discussed the pending move and gathered the guild’s belongings and decided to finish up at Riverun.

Once they got to Riverun, some began unloading the guild stuff, while others had marked some runes to the new guild house. They slowly filtered in and began to be seated. There were many pitchers atop the table. They all began to pour ale into mugs as the meeting resumed. They all went over some small details first thing. Suddenly a familiar face had arrived. Black looked at Arcana as eyes widened and a smile showed largely on her face. Rhen Darkholme had entered. Black thought what a long time it had been since he saw Rhen. Maybe in Illishnar he thought. Perhaps they were bludgeoning titans and cyclopean warriors. Ah, it was all coming to him now, evident of a wide smile upon his face. Rhen was the surprise. He had returned to be a part of the new KOS. Black thought a lot was getting much better, fast. If only a few more would return. Arieus and Aerindell were atop his mind but there were many others. Owen was another Black was close with, and was also the one responsible partly for Black even being in KOS. Garion, Valdor, and how could he forget his mentor Dargon. Many, too many to think about now. The meeting was quick to end as Lady Arcana said we would have to take care of something before we could move from Trinsic. She had heard of a large number of lizard folk attacking the fair city in recent days. She determined something or someone was using the lizard folk as an army. Brainwashed to do its bidding. She explained how she thought it was an ancient wyrm in the vicinity. It was smart and powerful enough to do this. The knights all agreed they would go and look into this. They all dispatched to the vesper bank. They entered across the North West Bridge. They all walked together and Black couldn’t help think of how well they all looked together. Riding into town, a band of friends proud of their beliefs. They all readied there things and agreed to meet up at Humility in Illishnar. Once there they made there way south west to a small village of lizard folk. Some small skirmishes along the way easily squelched as they rode on. They entered into a cave and around a small hallway. Suddenly after exiting the other side an ancient wyrm was brutally attacking his guild mates. So suddenly it clawed and slashes its tail wildly at them. It began to omit an aura from within. This was the beginning of some spells directed at the party. They banded together and began to bandage each others wounds as their blades slash away the scales exposing the raw flesh of the beast. A few of them died honorably and were shortly thereafter returned to life. The knights were joyous in their victory. They decided to head back to Riverun for some ale. They also met up with a man Chaydion Pain who would gather stories and events of the KOS. With their victory this evening Trinsic is once again safe. But they will always watch for those who need help, no matter where in the realm it may be.

Chaydion Pain · Visitor Joined: 19 May 2004 Posts: 3

The old scribes hands shook as he slowly dipped the quill, the veins of age stood out around his gnarled fingers. Yet the tip of the quill set gentle into the ink, then back upon the paper. Slowly the letters took form, those forms became words, and the words became sentences. At each stroke of the quill the old scribes life ebbed a little more. Soon there would be no life left to create the letters, to write the story.

“Master Tobius” a gentle voice called. “You must rest Master for it is late. Tomorrow you can finish what you have started today. Please Master.” The old man did not listen, instead the quill slowly made its way across the parchment. A young man stepped into the light of the candles as they burned brightly upon the writers small desk. “Master Healer will surely be angered if he hears I did not make sure you got your rest. Please Master lie down and rest.” the young man pleaded with his teacher.

Without a word the old scribe set his quill down and turned to look to the young man, a boy in his eyes. “It is done Chaydion. It is done” His eyes closed a moment, then he raised his hands as Chaydion stepped forward. “No, there is no time to rest for me Chaydion. My story is complete, the history has been told.” The man turned to cough and again raised his hands to bring Chaydion to a halt. “My life is at its end lad, surely you must know that. The guild of Sorasmir is no more, but its history has been recorded. I have done my task. Now I can rest.” With that the old scribe tried to stand, but his legs would no longer hold him. Before he could fall Chaydion was at his side and helped the man to his bed.

“No Master, not now. Not now. I have so much more to learn.” Chaydion pleaded of his Master. “I do not know where to start, what to do. You cannot die now for your task is not complete. There is more life in you I know it.” “No”, replied the old man gently. “I have drawn to long from the Well of Life. I have covered the history of the Sorasmir Guild these last two hundred years. I have written of their demise, their long path to destruction. They were not always evil. Many good men and women died in honor for that guild before the darkness came. Now it is my turn. You must carry on”, the words slowly trailed off to silence.

“But where shall I go, of who shall I write?” Chaydion asked. The old mans eyes opens slowly. “Go seek the one called Tal Aeridar in the town of Skara Brae. He is a Knight-Errant for the guild of the Knights Of Sosaria.” The man stopped a moment, his breath now raspy and low. “Tell him”, the old man paused. “Tell him of Talmakie and the destruction of Sorasmir. Tell him as I have written it”. The old man now laid back, his eyes now glazed and sightless. “Why Master? What is the evil of Talmakie to this man Tal?” Even as Chaydion said the words he knew the answer in his heart.

“You must seek him out Chaydion. He must know about his brother. Tell him the Book Of Destiny is in grave peril. He will know, it draws him even now. Go.” With that the old mans eyes closed, he breathed once, then once again deeper, then breathed no more. Chaydion stood and looked down upon his Master, now gone to where Chaydion could not yet go. As tears began to slowly fall he moved about the room, straightening up the papers, putting books away, all in the same manner as he had done for nearly sixteen years. Too stunned was he as he let routine guide him about, to shield his mind from the pain.

Then he approached the writing desk, the one last place he had not gone. For surely he knew there written were his Masters last strokes of the quill, his last essence and being were now on that page and Chaydion did not wish to see them. Carefully he placed the lid upon the inkwell and gentle placed the unused parchment within the slim shelves atop the desk. He would not let his eye look down upon the words written there. He could not.

How long he stood over that desk Chaydion did not know. Then the faint smell of perfume and a ladies hand on his shoulder brought him forth. “Chaydion?” Esmeralda whispered. “Are you alright?” It was as if a dam within him had broken for now the tears began to flow freely. Chaydion crumpled to the floor sobbing, no longer able to stand. “You knew his time was at and end Chaydion” the gentle words echoed in his mind. “It is your time now. You are now the writer of history, the Keeper of the Records. In time this sorrow will pass and you will look back with love upon your Master.” Esmeralda knelt beside the young man and stroked his hair from his eyes. As deep pools of blue water were her eyes as she held Chaydion in her gaze. “You must take this task Tobius has given you, as he took the task that was given him. As all Keeper have done through the ages of man. That is now your destiny.”

Chaydion could not accept what the Priestess was saying. He was yet a boy, not a scribe nor a scholar. This task could not be his. There were others of the calling more skilled than he, more experienced than he. And as he looked deeper into her eyes his heart told him true. He was the Keeper, he had no choice.

“I see now you have accepted this fate Chaydion. Do not regret it, ever. Nor doubt that you are the one. The whole Council had agreed with Master Tobius months ago. It is not the learning, nor the skill that all matter Chaydion. It is the heart and the soul that makes the Keeper. You have that heart and that soul. Master Tobius saw it when first you came straggling into the Hall, hungry and alone.” Esmeralda stood and took Chaydions hand and raised him from the floor. “You have to set things in order before you leave Chaydion. You must talk to the Council, then make ready for your journey.” With that she smiled and turned to the study door, gently pushing Chaydion out and into the hall. “Go now and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day and we must prepare Master Tobius. Then before the next full moon you must be on your way.”

Chaydion Pain · Visitor Joined: 19 May 2004 Posts: 3

A full moon was just barely setting when Chaydion awoke. He had been sweating profusely as his nightshirt was soaked from waist to neck. Even though he had slept for six hours he felt as if he had not slept one wink. His room was now cold and damp. The embers in the fireplace had long died out as Chaydion stretched his weary body, walking to the small pile of starter wood and logs to the left of that great mantle.

That night he had slept a deep, deep sleep. How he wished he could return to that sleep for now his mind began to call up memories of Master Tobius. It was as if the previous night was just a dream and he would hear his Masters bellowing voice calling for him to rise, make ready for the coming day. Master Tobius preached that each day was as precious as a fine wine, it must be savored and enjoyed. But above all else he taught that each day must be a lesson, for any day that passes with no lesson learned has been a day wasted. Chaydion smiled slightly as he remembered long ago many days wasted and his Master scolding him over the evenings meal.

The starter wood was too damp to catch, so after several vain attempts to start a fire Chaydion gave up. He stood and began pulling the wet nightshirt over his head. Tossing it onto the back of the bed he wondered what is was that had made him sweat so that night. Just then a soft knock came to the door sending Chaydion glancing nervously about for his breeches. “Hold please” Chaydion shouted to who ever was at the door, then made his way to the chair upon which his pants were hung.. This had no effect for as he reached the chair Esmeralda stepped into the room. “Priestess!” Chaydion shouted while pulling on his breeches. “You really should have waited!” he continued with embarrassment blushing his face.

Esmeralda only smiled. “I am pledged to my calling and to no man Chaydion. It does not stir my lust to see a man without his clothes.” Still watching the young man dress Esmeralda settled into a chair opposite the room. “It may not stir any feeling in you Priestess, but it may in those that you walk in on.” Chaydion shot back before thinking what his words may have meant. Again Esmeralda only smiled.

“The Council will not be able to meet with, or see you off on this journey” Esmeralda continued. “Things are happening within the realm that require their attention. There is a change taking place across the land, all lands. The Seers cannot part the mist to determine its nature, but they are sure subtle forces are guiding the changes. And all are not for good.” Esmeralda sighed and for a moment the youth seemed to leave her features, then she shook it off. “You must set out soon. The Council believes that your trip may shed some light upon the events and actions taking place in Britannia and the lands around it. They want you to return as soon as you have contacted Tal and have his reaction to your news. They also wish for news from within KOS, and any other guilds you may learn of. We must learn where each stands. For law or for chaos.”

“I shall do my best Priestess.” Chaydion replied. He still was not comfortable with the title of Keeper, but he would do his best to fulfill the role. He also felt certain that when he returned the Council will have decided on a new Keeper. One more knowledgeable and studied than he As with all journeyman Chaydion found his gear packed and ready to go. With a quickness of one now committed he swung the pack over his shoulder and nodded to the door. “At least may I get some breakfast or are you to send me on the road with my stomach growling” Chaydion teased with a smile on his face. “Of course not!” Esmeralda stated faking surprise. “To the hall with you and you'll be lucky if there are yet scraps upon the table.”

The sun was now rising above the eastern mountains when Chaydion stepped out onto the road. The Keepers Hall did not maintain a stable so he would have to walk to the small village two leagues south where there were horses kept by the villagers for the Hall. The air was cool and crisp, just right for an early mornings walk. With a large walking stick in hand Chaydion made south down the dusty road. Skara Brae would be a weeks ride by horseback, and there was no guarantee that Tal Aeridar would be found there when he arrived. That was a week into the future and of not use worrying about now Chaydion decided. The sky was a beautiful deep blue with no clouds to be seen. Too nice a start to fill ones mind with dark thoughts.

Aerindell · Posted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:10 am Post subject:

Returning to the ranger station for a night's rest and new supplies, Aerindell wearily dumped her packs on the workshop table. A small parchment fluttered to the floor. Noticing a familiar seal she immediately retrieved and tore it open. Smiling wearily she took pen and ink from a chest. Finishing the note she, she called Wind Dancer. He gingerly took it from her and listened to the directions she gave. Brushing the dust of the dragon’s gusty takeoff from her forest green armor she went back inside and cleared the worktable, gently tucking the note in among the folds of a worn tan and purple uniform.
She whispered softly to herself, “Blessed be my old friends.” Resolving to visit the tavern when next she came onto town she went upstairs to prepare her travel packs for the morrow’s patrol.
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First Ranger(GM) of Order of the Silver Leaf

Arcana · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 12:57 am Post subject:

Some days after leaving the House of the Gauntlet behind, Arcana reached Elysium Castle. She hadn’t stopped in Trinsic. The castle appeared more deserted than ever, though the moss and lichen had recently been scrubbed off the Knights’ guildstone. She dismounted her weary horse and left him to graze in the deserted courtyard.

Upon entering the main hall of the library, she found the long rows of musty books quite undisturbed. She wandered the hall of the castle and found some small signs of inhabitance, but most of the torches had been allowed to gutter and go out. Her long disused set of keys didn’t seem to work on any of the locks she ran across.

After a time, Arcana’s feet inevitably led her to a familiar storeroom – the reason for her visit to Elysium. The door was secured with a substantial lock, and someone seemed to have recently rifled through several crates of brandy in the hall (ah, good old Nkai and Velma, Arcana thought with a smile).

Arcana needed no key for this door. She removed her gloves and laid the palm of her left hand flat against the center of the door. She murmured two words – one that was important and one that was nonsense – and the lock opened with a faint metallic ping. Arcana slowly pushed the door inward, and as it opened it drew small clouds of low dust in its wake.

The storeroom was ordinarily dark and gloomy and far from any window. Yet Arcana had brought no torch or lantern. As she had expected the room’s sole object suffused the room with the soft blue glow of its cover. The Book of Destiny lay much as it had been left, many years ago when she and Ironrose had sealed it away.

So this, then, was the vision of which her Knights had spoken. Of the Book calling to them and reminding them of their order’s proud and noble heritage. Arcana had seen no such vision and felt no such pull now. The only calling she had received had been the letters of her old friends. She laid the fingertips of her right hand upon the Book’s cover. The power she felt there was the same as ever.

“So, will you pull our puppet strings again?” she asked softly, rhetorically addressing the Book. She opened the cover and flipped to a random page in the middle, fully expecting to see the usual meaningless gibberish once the initial profusion of white light had died down.

The pages were blank.

Arcana’s ice-blue eyes widened in astonishment. The Book had always been fickle and generally unfathomable in what it chose to reveal. It could speak when it chose, though it seldom did, but Arcana had never seen it reveal absolutely nothing at all. Equally troubled by the two possibilities this likely portended, Arcana closed the Book. Ironrose had always said it was… unwise… to leave the Book open unattended. She then left the room and secured the lock behind her.

Arcana · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 1:12 am Post subject:

Not long after the troubling incident with the Book, a warm spring day in Vesper found the Knights and Arcana unloading a train of packhorses in front of their new home. It was pleasantly situated across the road from the river and conveniently between Vesper’s bank and the Minoc/Vesper Moongate. Armor, gold, books, ale, and the guildstone itself were all being unpacked into the newly remodeled Riverrun. Arcana had converted the Great Hall of her estate to a tavern and expanded her library, stables, and storerooms in addition to hiring more servants.

It had been a difficult decision for the Knights to leave Trinsic, but in the end they had wholeheartedly agreed with Arcana that their duty was toward all of Sosaria, not simply Trinsic. Robert of course wished to stay on as the Duke of Trinsic, regardless of their geography. Arcana chuckled at the memory. For her own part, her title as Duchess of Trinsic was of little consequence, but keeping it seemed important to many of the Knights. At that thought, the name of Arieus De’Chevia floated to the forefront of her consciousness, but she firmly set the thought aside. She’d already written to ask him to come, but he’d politely and rather formally written back that Duchess Willow was now his sworn liege lady. She should have asked him in person. Arcana irritably pushed the thoughts aside a second time as they were in danger of spoiling her cheerful mood. Suddenly, she laughed at herself as she realized how much it irritated her not to have her way. All these years of people calling her “Your Grace” must be going to her head at last.

Later in the day as the sun was setting over the trees behind Riverrun, everything was at last unpacked. The wine cellar and the ale barrels were stocked. Horses were stabled. Gold was secure. The guildstone sat proudly in Riverrun’s courtyard. The library was still a bit of a wreck, but the heavy work was done and all were happily tired after the several days’ labor completed.

The light held a beautiful golden red quality, and the scent of their waiting dinner wafted in the almost still air. One by one, each of the Knights in turn swore their loyalty to their prodigal Lady. As the last one rose from his knee by the stone, a hearty cheer went up from all the Knights and rang out joyfully across the river.