I know nothing about stars

General Summary

Apparently, we convinced the pygmies we are not good targets. They left us alone, but we were watched the entire rest of the way through the forest. Finally, we hit a clearing. I should be more accurate, we hit a cliff, and there was the lighthouse. It stood near the cliff and rose up into the sky, a giant brass door barring the entrance. Nearby there were a few cooking fires and six clay jars with crude markings on them.

DO YOU KNOW THE STARS?

Cap walked up to the door and pulled on the handle, nothing. Then he tried knocking, and aside from a great booming noise, nothing. Finally, he looked at the door and noticed four-star charts on it. I guessed enough to realize one was like the sky had been recently, but really, I knew fairly little. Cap stared at it and studied it, and muttered at it. After a good 30 minutes of starting, he noticed a constellation out of place and slowly moved it back into place with a click. “There do be constellations in the wrong place, mayhaps you can help me find the others?” he asked. I joined him in staring at the bronze plates. “This looks like this set,” I pointed, “How does it look to you?” “That looks right, but look at this one,” Cap replied and we debated back and forth slowly moving different constellations. “I think this is where the pygmies camp,” Milli said as she investigated the stew and peeked in the pots. “This pot smells like pepper, and the one next to it tastes like salt.” “What kind of stew is it?” Cap asked as I moved the last constellation. “I don’t know, it’s a stew, lots of veggies, some meat, and left alone.” “Let me take a look,” and Cap stirred the soup, taking a deep whiff. “I wonder what it tastes like.” “Cap,” I called back. “I got the last constellation done. You have no clue what they put in that stew, and think about what you might eat.” “It doesn’t smell that bad.” “Cap! Let’s go. We’re on a deadline!” He grumbled but came in and helped me align the golden globe to the right configuration, and a blue light flared up as a translucent figure appeared. “My sworn men, I fear that the fate of our people has fallen to you. Hopefully, you have met up with trusty Balto who has promised to stay behind. If I have not returned then it is up to you. On returning to these lands I almost immediately began to hear foul rumors. Tales of the isles of our kin as haunted, as beasts from the sea cursing all from their shores. Where were our proud people, their crystal ships? Word reached us soon, from my sister. She promised to meet me at the lighthouse, that all would be clear. I hope it is so, but my spirit is unquiet. Why no word from father? I will meet her and trust the fates, that I might learn where father lies, for the oath still rests over me, just as mine lies on you. Remember those words, each of us sworn before the throne, trusting our lives, hopes, fates to the royal house, imbuing it with the very united power of a people. We have done great things, united behind the one, the King of the Caccio. This is key, the King in the Temple of Oaths can release our people from whatever fates they are currently bound. Find him, for our people.” We all stared dumbfounded as the final message of the lost prince played out and a light flared outside in the sea. I ran to the window and saw a portal opens, and a ship sailed towards it.
Clap. Clap. Clap. I turned to see the pirate captain sarcastically clapping for us, “Well done. I gambled on you and it paid off. I will let such useful pawns live on,” and he faded away. I turned back to the window and saw the ship sail through the portal. “We have to get our ship back!” I cried. “Addie, fly over and tell them to come get us,” Cap responded as a howl tore through the forest. “But the werewolf-” Cap cut in, “I have a plan, just fly over.” I changed into a falcon and screamed through the growing dusk. As I flew off, I heard claws scrabbling over the stone floor. “In the name of the Creator, I consecrate this ground-” his voice cut off in a scream, and I nearly turned back, but flew on hoping they could stop the werewolf in time. I shifted back into human form as I landed hard on the deck, “Sail to the cliffs,” I gestured, “Now!” I waited breathlessly as they turned the boat towards the nearby island, and I called for the telescope to watch for any sign from Cap. I watched in horror as three forms plummeted from the cliff, only to slow as they descended and slowly float down to the water like a feather.

Report Date

23 Dec 2021