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Tranday, 15th of October, 1799

Trails of Death

by Groht Arautok (Bighill)

As we woke from our sleep, we realized that none of us felt rested.
It wasn't just the water, it almost felt as if the air itself was sucking on our strength.
We have to get out of here as soon as possible.
 
Soon after packing up, we set off, journeying further into the forest.
Today, the gith took the lead. He seemed to be more confident than before. And it wasn't long before he picked up a trail.
 
Disgusting veins, emitting a morbid kind of energy, spread along the floor and up the trees.
Was this caused by what the Master had hidden here? Did she know that it would have this effect? Or did it only start corrupting the forest after she died?
 
As we followed this trail of corruption, we came upon a clearing. A single dead tree, surrounded by a barren circle of dirt. This tree was definitely the source.
Fearing that there might've been some sort of curse protecting or emanating from the tree, I prepared to test it.
 
It grew dark around us.
 
As I drew the first runes onto my rock, we were surprised by a disfigured monster sneaking up behind us.
 
And before we even had the chance to ready our weapons, we were assaulted by what seemed like the wind itself. Foul spirits rent our very souls with their claws.
I was lucky to remain standing as one struck me, sucking away all of my energy in an instant, I had never felt a pain quite the same. My weapons and armor, my trusty stone, I could barely muster the strength to lift my arms under its weight.
 
Then, as if to answer a desperate prayer, a flame shot out from the darkness.
 
The figure of an elven woman, wielding magic fire, came and fought alongside us. With newfound strength, we managed to strike down these foul creatures.
 
But, after having suffered such weakness, I felt humbled. My confidence was damaged, and I didn't know how to heal it.
When that spirit hit me, I felt fear, genuine fear. I was scared to die.
 
Just as the final monster fell, the fire-wielding elf vanished as quickly as she had appeared. Sharing not even a word with us.
The others wondered if the Master's spirit had come to protect us. I knew better, yet kept my tongue.
 
It made me think back on the time I had spent with the Master, and all the lessons she had taught me.
As I drifted away in thought, I was quickly pulled back by the sound of the little dragon's voice.
 
"There are people in there!"
 
I looked up, the tree was on fire, the dragon dodging flaming branches, and in my hands my grudge thrower, still warm from the shot.
 
I rushed in to put out the fire I had started, throwing handful after handful of the cold dirt onto the burning tree. The others joined in, and together we were able to extinguish the flames.
The dragon started to claw away at the smoldering remains of the tree, saying that he had seen something inside.
 
At that moment, a round pebble tumbled out from the remains of the tree.
 
An eye.
 
We had found what we were looking for, the Eye of Death, as described in the Master's book. I didn't expect it to be so... unassuming.
I stowed it in a pouch for safekeeping, as we checked the surroundings for any monsters that would try to take it.
 
All clear.

Continue reading...

  1. The First Lesson
    Unsday, 12th of March, 1799
  2. The Master's Funeral
    Eyday, 5th of October, 1799
  3. A Beggar
    Unsday, 8th of October, 1799
  4. The Hermit Dragonborn
    Unsday, 8th of October, 1799
  5. Spirit of the Woods
    Unsday 8th of October, 1799
  6. Assaulted By Thugs
    Abonday, 10th of October, 1799
  7. A Strange Orc Approaches
    Abonday, 10th of October, 1799
  8. The Red Devourer in the Mines
    Aksday, 11th of October, 1799
  9. The Lost Duergar
    Aksday, 11th of October, 1799
  10. They Lost the Duergar
    Luxday, 12th of October, 1799
  11. An Interesting Tooth
    Luxday, 12th of October, 1799
  12. It Talks?
    Luxday, 12th of October, 1799
  13. I Hate That Bastard
    Luxday, 12th of October, 1799
  14. Accursed Woods
    Primsday, 13th of October, 1799
  15. Filthy Water
    Masday, 14th of October, 1799
  16. Trails of Death
    Tranday, 15th of October, 1799
  17. Master Dragon
    Tranday, 15th of October, 1799
  18. The Journey Ahead
    Silday, 16th of October, 1799
  19. On to Tamia
    Dorday, 17th of October, 1799
  20. Bandits on the Trail
    Vensday, 18th of October, 1799
  21. The Old Lady's Abode
    Vensday, 18th of October, 1799
  22. A Weapon Crafted
    Eyday, 19th of October, 1799
  23. Into Tamia
    Eyday, 19th of October, 1799
  24. A Relaxing Day
    Krasday, 20th of October, 1799
  25. Stone Defender - Research Notes 1
    Edsay, 21st of October, 1799
  26. The Dragonborn's Cart
    Unsday, 22nd of October, 1799
  27. To Palud Vivente
    Primsday, 27th of October, 1799
  28. A Strange Introduction
    Primsday, 27th of October, 1799
  29. Hunt for the Horn
    Primsday, 27th of October, 1799

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by 3 Armored Kittens · Prodromos v.1.1 - World Anvil 0.9.15.042 © 2017-2024 [en] | Anvil Time: 04:37, Nov 6 2024