** An Ancient Scroll Part 5**

Journal Entry 5:

As I swam out from the brook I was still stunned by the talking trout. “Didn’t realize they could do that, but I guess anything is possible.” I said to myself. Theabelle and Red Raider stood there looking at me, watching me as I spoke out loudly to myself. “How did you both know about the talking trout?” “The rainbow trout has been here for years, everyone knows about Xae’tut.” Red smiled. “It has a name? Hmm…well I got my next clue. I think I have an idea where this is.” I said loudly to them. “You need help?” Theabelle said as she held on to Red tightly, seemed that the horse was getting restless, moving from side to side. “I sure can! I have to go to the light house near Qeynos.” “Well let’s get going!” Red said as he began to gallop away. I ran behind them once again out dodging any dark paws. We passed the merchant, the farming fields and finally got to the coast. I was so out of breath my lungs felt like they would explode.

There she was the beautiful white light house, “The beacon,” She was made out of marble, standing there erect for all to see. She was the first thing I saw as a refugee to these shores, I remember feeling the beams from the light house absorb into me, as if hope was returning back. It was a comforting feeling to be aware of, I’ve drawn numerous etchings of the lighthouse, almost knowing it in detail. “Here we are” Theabelle said. I smiled, “Sure thing; just need to make camp, I’m a little famished and it’s starting to get dark.” “Sure thing we’ll start a camp fire at the coast, there our friends are suppose to meet us.” “Sounds like a great plan!” With that I smiled and we set up camp next to the light house. What was nice it wasn’t windy at all, it was a calm evening with pearls in the sky twinkling down at us. Theabelle pulled out a large kettle that went on the fire, she started adding all these wonderful ingredients. “Wow that smells wonderful Thea.” With each sniff my senses were dancing and my stomach was just singing out, what ever she was making just made my mouth water. As I began to eat the food she had given me I felt rejuvenated, I notice I was making yummy noises as I ate her delicious cooking.

As I stretched out I thanked Theabelle for her delicious food, she smiled; “no problem.” I started to walk to the tower which was behind us. I climbed up the stairs to the top to find the Taskmaster, and there she was. Standing there mumbling to herself. “I can’t believe how messy all these work orders are. Now I have to organize it all over again.” She definitely wasn’t happy about this fact. I cleared my throat, “Excuse me, Excuse me!” I said a bit louder. She continued rummaging thru all the papers, “yes, yes…speak…I can listen…see I’m busy!” She said frantically. How do you tell someone that you were sent here by a trout? I was trying to find the words. “Well you’re wasting my time…quickly speak or leave me alone.” “ok..ok…a trout sent me here to ask you about something…Once again I recited what it said to me,

“Beacon of light will guide your way,
Top the spiral stairs will be your next clue
Seek the task master; she will lead u to one

The One becomes the many,
Into the Dark Caverns the
Venture will continue.”

I stood there, feeling really stupid. She stopped what she was doing and handed me a scroll. “Here, seek out the Royal Guard and they can help you on this mission. They are an excellent group, speak to Xajin, ok?” She turned and continued to her mumbling. “Oh…oh…ok.” I said not knowing how to react to this. “By the way the trout works for me, just so you don’t think you’re going crazy.” With that I left. I returned to Theabelle and RedRaider The Great, “So dear what she say?” Thea said as she handed Red another plate of her food. “Well I have to search out the Royal Guard, and speak to a Xajin.” “That would be me, a voice came out from behind me.” Startled I turned around bearing my weapon. “Well hello there Mi’ Lady, he said to Theabelle, Hi Red my friend.” He walked up to Theabelle and gave her a hug, and than hugged Red. They seemed to know each other very well as if they were family.

“Hi” I said. “Well hello, so you need to talk to me?” “Yes, I was told by the Merchant in the Lighthouse tower to seek you and the Royal Guard.” He was an interesting man, another barbarian with tribal tattoos all over him. From what I could tell they were shaman markings. I explained my journey to him and how I met up with Theabelle and Red. “Wow you’ve done a lot today. Well the Royal Guard is at your service.” With that Theabelle and Red added, “Yes we are!” and she smiled. “What does the scroll say the one she gave you?” Xajin inquired. “Oh I forgot!” I quickly unraveled the scroll and it was a map pointing us to the FireMyst. “Oh my goodness; we have to go into firemyst!?”

Don’t worry we can get all the Royal Guards together and we can accomplish this task, we have to get everyone together and make this a raid. We will get what you need from there. With our help it will be no problem.” With that I smiled, what an adventure this has turned out to be, I thought. “Well we have a long day tomorrow let’s rest up.” Red said.

And the ADVENTURE CONTINUES into FireMyst the Royal Guard will venture.

** An Ancient Scroll Part 4**

Journal Entry 4:

I stood there bewildered by all these clues. “What just happened?” I thought. Suddenly I was aware of my environment, it seemed to get darker, than suddenly I heard squeaking, it was getting louder, I quickly looked up to see some giant bats heading my way; “OH DAM!!” I began to run, I couldn’t fight that many by myself, there were at least 20 of them flying towards me. With out thinking I began to run down the spiral stairwell with Bats in tow I sprinted my way out the door way, and more bats came my way. I thought to myself doing a mental mapping of the area, I had to run to the Merchant, there I could possibly get help. I was hoping I wouldn’t stumble, suddenly I felt a bite on my neck. “OUCH.” Still running I grabbed what bit me. It was one of those bloodsucking bats; “dam thing.” I grabbed it by the neck firmly punching it with my fist I heard it shriek each time I hit it. I kept beating it while running, still hearing the others behind my tail. I continued to run, trying to dodge other creatures in my path. Suddenly from behind me I heard a large growl, “great a bear!!” I thought. I finally reached the merchant house “BATS IN TOW!!” I began yelling like a mad person.

I was still unaware of what was behind me. Suddenly this large man on a steed came thumping into the merchant house, trailing behind him on his steed was this beautiful warrior woman. “Stop young traveler.” He yelled, we killed the bats for you. I jumped out from behind the merchant and danced the dance of joy. “Thank you kind sir!!” I sang back. “What were you doing up there?” “I was doing a quest which obviously almost got me killed.” I said back. “What in the world is that in your hand?” the stunning woman said. I stopped my dancing and realized I still had the evil bat still in my grasp, poor thing looked blue it was unconscious in my hand. A nearby enchanter looked at me and smiled she than started to enchant the creature for me. “Thank you.” I said to her smiling. “You’re quite welcome.” Quickly the bat came alive and followed its new mistress.

I turned to the two warriors and asked for their names I was so happy to meet new people. “I am Red Raider the Great and this is my lovely companion Theabelle.” He said grandly. He was a warrior in full silver armor, his red hair boomed with vibrant color, as fierce as he looked sitting on his steed, he was charming. As for Theabelle she was just plain beautiful, with her soft white tresses softly hanging behind her pretty face, one could tell that she was not one to be reckoned with, but they both seem so nice. They were an eye-catching looking couple. “Thank you for your help, both of you.” I said. I majestically bowed to both of them; I was just relieved that they had helped me. “Where are you off to traveler,” Theabelle said as she hopped off the tall steed. “Well I have to figure out another quest riddle. I have no clue where to go next.” I started to recite what the ghost had said to me;

“Aggressive are their true spirit, docile in
appearance and form, the bell rings, ringing of their
return, arm yourself fully, misjudging these foes will
lead one to the skies above. The stream of life is
full of wisdom.”

“Oh that sounds like the stream near the covered bridge?” Theabelle said, “Sure does Belle.” Red Raider added in. “Hmm…do you know where that is?” “We sure do follow us.” They both said in rhythm. I gathered myself, and went to the mender to mend anything that needed to be fixed, and boy was there a lot to be mended. “Are you coming?” Theabelle yelled out as she sat behind red. “Yes! I’m almost done. Ok done!” I gathered my stuff and ran behind them.

Down a path they rode as I trailed down behind them. There were gnolls everywhere, all of different type, darkpaw scouts, and soliders, camped in different areas all over the hills. “Be careful not to get too close.” Theabelle yelled from behind Red. I nodded in agreement. We reached a covered bridge with a sentry standing in front of it. “Jump in the water.” Red said. I looked at them as If they went batty, "Did I smell that bad?" I thought to myself. “There is a magical trout in there, perhaps he may offer you some clue?” Theabelle said softly.

“Ok!” and into the water I jumped swimming all around. Suddenly from behind me a trout nibbled at my ear. “Huh!?!?” I swam up to the top for air ready to do battle. Instead it followed me up to the top and spoke; “Good day to thee traveler?” it said. My eyes opened widely, a talking fish I thought “Why would I be so surprised” Than suddenly he said;

“Beacon of light will guide your way,
Top the spiral stairs will be your next clue
Seek the task master; she will lead u to one

The One becomes the many,
Into the Dark Caverns the
Venture will continue.”

And the trout swam away.


To be continued..The final story..

** An Ancient Scroll Part 3 **

Journal Note 3:

What an exciting day, another clue, I sat there disheveled and exhausted on the fields pondering it all. I smiled and began to reach into my backpack looking for my meal and trusty map. It was a local map of all the places I had been to in this area, there were markings all over it like a checker board marking every single detail of my journey's , as if a chicken ran across haphazardily thru my map. They were markings of places I had ventured into either by myself or with a group of like minded adventurers. Suddenly in my minds eye the Bell tower popped into picture. I jumped up shouting, “Eureka!! That has to be it.” I was very excited by my revelation so much so I think I scared one of the scarecrows causing it to move to the other side of the field. Smiling at my new found revelation I began packing up the rest of my food and belongings. With a heave ho I started my venture towards the twin towers in Antonica.

I Ran thru all sorts of beasts; wolves, bears, badgers, and cute little deer. I tried my best not to run into anything too dangerous making sure my concentration was on the tower now. I continued my run North-East pass the twin towers. There she was a withered old brick belfry; it looked so unkept and sad to me. Large pieces of stone were missing from the surrounding tower that over looked Antonica. I was still far from it, but could still see her scars from years of wear and war. As I continued to run, still admiring her from a distance, within me stirred mixed feelings of excitement and sadness on what I would find.

I finally reached the top of the hill where the tower was and to my amazement there were bats everywhere. Groups here and there full of them, bats in the belfry, bats surrounding the belfry, and bats outside of the belfry. I felt as if I were almost going batty. I had to quietly crawl to the ground making my way up to the front of the ruined tower. I had to be very careful not to stir up the bats above. They were extremely large and deadly, and this was not a day I wanted to die.

Finally making my way thru the doorway I continued pushing myself up the spiral stone stairs. I was so exhausted from my travel that climbing each step towards the bell was burdensome. I just had to get to the top no matter what. Finally I made it catching my breath, breathing in deeply the fresh crisp air that seemed to breeze thru the towers open wounds.

What a sight it was from up here. Looking straight up the top I saw more bats; scanning around the bells inner sanctum I saw a curious figure, an apparition of a male spirit. “Good day sir how may I assist you?” It said to me. I froze in place, “Go-od, doing well.” He turned towards me and smiled, giving me goose bumps; I think every piece of hair on my body was standing up at attention; chills ran up and down my spine. I thought to myself; "be brave I didn't come this far to cower over an apparition; use ur wits perhaps he would know about the scroll I held in my leather pack was all about. "

Reaching into it I pulled out the scroll and unrolled it and began reading the words to the spirit. He just stared at me blankly, I guess ghosts do that? He just stood there once in a while flicking in and out like fire in a hearth. I began to ask; “Kind spirit would u know what this would mean?” I looked at him hoping he would. Suddenly he began to chant some words and this is what he said;

“Aggressive are their true spirit, docile in
appearance and form, the bell rings, ringing of their
return, arm yourself fully, misjudging these foes will
lead one to the skies above. The stream of life is
full of wisdom.”

And with that the spirit disappeared.

- To be Continued..

** An Ancient Scroll Part 1 and 2**

I am sharing a story I started for my online gaming world, everquest 2. It was a roleplaying story for my character that I play with. Introducing her to the online crew I joined. It's five parts so I will be placing one a day. Hope you enjoy it, if not, well tough cookies. :p I hope you do enjoy the story. :) I'll put two stories here.

Written: Nov. 2004. All town names are exclusive rights of EQ2.
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Journal Note 1

One sunny afternoon I got up to the sweet smell of fresh goods baking in the nearby bakery. I slowly lifted myself out of my bed smiling at the sun beams heating my face for a new day. Getting out of bed I walked towards the window to open it up further to let the smell flow thru my tiny apartment.

I sat by the window looking down into the streets smiling at all the early risers shuffling along the market court buying their goods. I pondered on what the day would bring me, would I hunt? Would I go around the city asking for work or would I craft for the day?

I decided on hunting instead, I needed to get my experience skills up and would need to do a full day of hunting, and what a better day to do that than today. A day where the sun warmed my face and the breeze of the wind was passive. I got up from the window sill and went to the door to retrieve the daily crier, a daily scroll that reported the every day life of my town. I loved reading it early during my meal keeping me informed on the daily happenings of Qeynos.

Placing the scroll on my table I prepared my meal, sat down and started to open my daily life vein of information. As I opened the scroll up a piece of parchment fell out onto my lap. Inquisitively I stared at it wondering what it could be. “Hmmm,” I grabbed it off my lap and noticed the piece of parchment had seen better days. It looked like it had survived one hundred wars and then some. Upon inspecting it some more I noticed words were scribed onto it….no they looked burned on its surface. I continue to decipher the burnt in text with a mixture of fear and anticipation on what it could be. This is what was scribed onto it.


"In the distance a medley of sounds are heard. The beat of battle drums and howling send chills thru ones spine.

You must find your next clue to this cryptic message."

To be Continued..

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Journal Note 2:

“Hmmm…,” What did it all mean I thought as I stared blankly into the parchment that was in my hands. I hoped that staring into it intently would offer me some kind of clue, but to no avail nothing hit me, no magical spells, or semi-invisible spewing symbols, not even weird spooky voices.

I put the piece of paper down, giving up on deciphering the cryptic message in the parchment. I finished my meal and began to dress for the day ahead looking forward to a new adventure of challenges and broadening my skills.

I grabbed a boat ride from the docks into Qeynos harbor, enjoying a fit run thru the towns, finally reaching the large gates of Antonica. What an impressive place this was to me, being a refugee from a land no longer known. I continued on the large solid gates running thru the fields of Antonica as I passed fyrebeetles, and scarecrows. I thought this would be an ideal area to continue my training in battle; I waved to the farmer a good morning and started my lessons in warfare. One by one I called forth a fyrebeetle to do battle with, concentrating on each kill,as the day grew I also grew weary as I continued killing them. In my carelessness attempt to taunt I hit the nearby Scarecrow, I was taken off guard but was able to gain my fortitude, hitting it with one of my magical spells as I melee with my weapon.

He was a worthy opponent, making my fight with it a tough one but worth the extra effort I had to put into the fight. As I laid my last strike into its straw like body he went down releasing an eerie sound from his wilted body, it was nothing I had ever heard before, suddenly a chest appeared. I rejoiced at the anticipation of some exciting treasure to be held. Slowly I picked the padded lock trying to bypass any traps that were known to accompany most chests. As it popped open I quickly winced back trying not to be hit by any spells, lucky for me there were none. Steadily I approached the old wooden chest, still leary of any other traps that it may have.

As I peered into it I found only a small scroll tied neatly with leather straps. Picking up the scroll I smiled, “Could it be part of the parchment I had earlier?” I prayed that it would. As I rolled it open a piece of a bat wing fell out, dry and preserved “well how strange,” I thought. I began to read the scroll and this is what it said;

“The Lands are plagued with dark disease…
Find the dark tower on the hills of Antonica, where the bells tell their tales.
Keep thy eyes open for evil which swoops from the skies.
There will be your next clue.”


To be continued..