- Alexander... it is time Alexander
- It is time? - he wondered - Time for what?
The voice on the mist was quite familiar for him, he knew however that it could not be. It was a voice long lost from the real.
- Alexander my son, remember my teachings, forget nothing of what I told you, your words shall be the vessel of the True Faith. All of what once was told, will be revealed to you soon.
Alexander was impressed, he knew he was to keep his promises from the past. But, as many other things, he was not certain, and even, have already doubted of such beliefs.
- But why would anyone listen to me! Everyone will think that I am a fool, don't you think?
- Why would they? Have I ever gave you reason to not believe?
Uncertain Alexander hesitates
- Well... cannot say you did.. but cannot say you didn't either.
- Alexander, there are still many things you are yet to learn.
A silence follows
- Give me a sign, I need it!
Said Alexander as of a last resource for his beliefs. But the voice was kept silenced.
A matter of Faith
Moderator: RP Moderators
Re: A matter of Faith
Wondering about all what happened in the morning, Alexander decided to sail to a once very familiar town. Looking at his old house, he knocks opening the door to see only an empty house. It seemed to him a ghost town, far from before.
- Come Alexander... remember where once was an ancient library.
Alexander wondered on what this voice wanted from him once again. Would he be given the long expected sign? He asked to himself.
- An ancient library?
There was a time where an ancient library was hidden from common eyes and only acessible from a special place that Alexander wouldn't know. However, his father once told him a story from past generations of where to find it's entrance. Thinking in all this, Alexander goes to the only place he could think of. The Lyceaeum!
- Ancient library... it used to be here somewhere. But where...?
Looking through all the bookshelves he could find. All of a sudden he is transported for a new place. A room without doors, the Ancient Library perhaps.
- Wohaaa! - Alexander could not believe his eyes - How can this be?
The room was obviously not visited for a long time, the air was heavy and the silence could only be broken by the fire of the fireplace. A dead body was lying near it. Maybe a guardian came to Alexander's mind. On the other side there was books all over the place. In the middle an orange globe and some statues and three chairs.
- Could this be what I am thinking about?
All of a sudden, another man appears. Same reaction, both were surprised about what just happened. Sometime after, a third man appears. As it seems, destiny guided these three men to this long-time forgotten place.
For the three it was clear that there was something in common. The True Faith that was long lost. A Faith that Alexander could receive only through his father Sauros Darkfall, a faith that seemed to be finally giving answers instead of questions.
- Come Alexander... remember where once was an ancient library.
Alexander wondered on what this voice wanted from him once again. Would he be given the long expected sign? He asked to himself.
- An ancient library?
There was a time where an ancient library was hidden from common eyes and only acessible from a special place that Alexander wouldn't know. However, his father once told him a story from past generations of where to find it's entrance. Thinking in all this, Alexander goes to the only place he could think of. The Lyceaeum!
- Ancient library... it used to be here somewhere. But where...?
Looking through all the bookshelves he could find. All of a sudden he is transported for a new place. A room without doors, the Ancient Library perhaps.
- Wohaaa! - Alexander could not believe his eyes - How can this be?
The room was obviously not visited for a long time, the air was heavy and the silence could only be broken by the fire of the fireplace. A dead body was lying near it. Maybe a guardian came to Alexander's mind. On the other side there was books all over the place. In the middle an orange globe and some statues and three chairs.
- Could this be what I am thinking about?
All of a sudden, another man appears. Same reaction, both were surprised about what just happened. Sometime after, a third man appears. As it seems, destiny guided these three men to this long-time forgotten place.
For the three it was clear that there was something in common. The True Faith that was long lost. A Faith that Alexander could receive only through his father Sauros Darkfall, a faith that seemed to be finally giving answers instead of questions.
Re: A matter of Faith
After the recent revelations, Alexander and his brothers decided to bring back what was once lost in these lands. Their Faith was all what mattered for them.
- Okay brothers, we need to be wise. I say we should try to keep secret about all this.
Alexander was obviously worried since if their secret was to be revealed immediately, it could become destroyed before everything.
- I can start by putting some messages around in the Bank areas! Maybe some lost members will come! - Said Basil full of enthusiasm.
- That could be a good idea, but reveal nothing about this. Let people just know how She is still around us. - Said Alexander still worried.
- Maybe we could manage to get some support from old guardians as well. - Said the third man in the meeting.
- Indeed! I will also try to convince some guardians from the false king. I have heard that some are unhappy and losing beliefs. Might be able to convince them! Meanwhile we also need to organize this area. Maybe we can set up this as a place to pray.
- Agreed! Let us do that!
Alexander was hoping to convince with his words some of the guardians. It was challenging as it was clear that one had to be certain before starting to speak.
The mission slowly became a success. After convincing some guards to rally near the Lyceaeum, Alexander showed them what was once his father's most used shield. A Chaos Shield!
Slowly the area became under the protection of the new Imperial Guards. A feeling was rising that soon their prays would reveal the most wanted signal. Her True Faith flowing through their bodies.
- Okay brothers, we need to be wise. I say we should try to keep secret about all this.
Alexander was obviously worried since if their secret was to be revealed immediately, it could become destroyed before everything.
- I can start by putting some messages around in the Bank areas! Maybe some lost members will come! - Said Basil full of enthusiasm.
- That could be a good idea, but reveal nothing about this. Let people just know how She is still around us. - Said Alexander still worried.
- Maybe we could manage to get some support from old guardians as well. - Said the third man in the meeting.
- Indeed! I will also try to convince some guardians from the false king. I have heard that some are unhappy and losing beliefs. Might be able to convince them! Meanwhile we also need to organize this area. Maybe we can set up this as a place to pray.
- Agreed! Let us do that!
Alexander was hoping to convince with his words some of the guardians. It was challenging as it was clear that one had to be certain before starting to speak.
The mission slowly became a success. After convincing some guards to rally near the Lyceaeum, Alexander showed them what was once his father's most used shield. A Chaos Shield!
Slowly the area became under the protection of the new Imperial Guards. A feeling was rising that soon their prays would reveal the most wanted signal. Her True Faith flowing through their bodies.
Re: A matter of Faith
While working on preparations to make everything ready for the moment where a sign from their devoted Goddess would be revealed, Alexander and Basil felt something unusual that they have never felt before. A feeling of True Faith flowing through their bodies that were regenerating their bodies. It was clear that the sign have been given to them. On the Altar it appeared now a tome full of energy that seemed to be a gift from their devotion.
- Basil, this is it! - Said Alexander feeling that it was time.
- Yes Brother, this is it. It shall be from this moment that the Order of Imperial is reborn! - Said Basil, knowing that this was the point from where there was no way back. - We should call Alaric and try to purify his body too!
Alaric was the third man who was an officer of the Order of Law who have been guided to rebuild the Order.
- Let us do that Brother! - Said Alexander.
Alaric was feeling that his former deity was being taken from him. It was now hard for him to stay close to the Altar. He was however happy that this moment had finally come. His life was at risk all the time if he was to be discovered beforehand.
- Alaric, come closer. We shall try to channel Her powers to purify your body and soul. Come closer. - Said Basil.
Both were worried as this was the first time they would even try to channel their energy from the tome.
A success it was. After channeling all their energy towards Alaric, he was finally able to feel the True Faith.
- So I think we are in the right path, should we send letters to those who formerly were under Her guidance?
- Definitely! They all are waiting for this moment.
So it begun, one by one, former members and newly converted members gathered at the Temple entrance to hear the good news.
After a while, they all went inside the temple to be formerly introduced to the Order.
Being all introduced about the Order, it was time to bring them to Her deity. One by one, they became under Her True Faith: Versn Vikol the Ancient Priest, Guilmor the old (but still young) Priest of Her who have made through generations, Sarion Mai who was one of the first to hear about the secret room, Ondoher who have been remembered for never let Her down when the times were of need, and finally, Melissa Willow who was introduced to the Order.
After all those present were indocrinated, it was needed to speak about how would the times be for this new beginning. A matter of importance was the stand between Order of Imperial and Order of Law. It was clear for them that mistakes made in past could not be repeated, risking everything again. Basil mentioned the guidelines for the near future which stated a pact that should be formerly made between the two Orders.
After a while more members came. Some from other Orders and some new were blessed by Her True Faith.
And from this point on, Order of Imperial has been built!
- Let She guide us all for the great of these lands!
- Basil, this is it! - Said Alexander feeling that it was time.
- Yes Brother, this is it. It shall be from this moment that the Order of Imperial is reborn! - Said Basil, knowing that this was the point from where there was no way back. - We should call Alaric and try to purify his body too!
Alaric was the third man who was an officer of the Order of Law who have been guided to rebuild the Order.
- Let us do that Brother! - Said Alexander.
Alaric was feeling that his former deity was being taken from him. It was now hard for him to stay close to the Altar. He was however happy that this moment had finally come. His life was at risk all the time if he was to be discovered beforehand.
- Alaric, come closer. We shall try to channel Her powers to purify your body and soul. Come closer. - Said Basil.
Both were worried as this was the first time they would even try to channel their energy from the tome.
A success it was. After channeling all their energy towards Alaric, he was finally able to feel the True Faith.
- So I think we are in the right path, should we send letters to those who formerly were under Her guidance?
- Definitely! They all are waiting for this moment.
So it begun, one by one, former members and newly converted members gathered at the Temple entrance to hear the good news.
After a while, they all went inside the temple to be formerly introduced to the Order.
Being all introduced about the Order, it was time to bring them to Her deity. One by one, they became under Her True Faith: Versn Vikol the Ancient Priest, Guilmor the old (but still young) Priest of Her who have made through generations, Sarion Mai who was one of the first to hear about the secret room, Ondoher who have been remembered for never let Her down when the times were of need, and finally, Melissa Willow who was introduced to the Order.
After all those present were indocrinated, it was needed to speak about how would the times be for this new beginning. A matter of importance was the stand between Order of Imperial and Order of Law. It was clear for them that mistakes made in past could not be repeated, risking everything again. Basil mentioned the guidelines for the near future which stated a pact that should be formerly made between the two Orders.
After a while more members came. Some from other Orders and some new were blessed by Her True Faith.
And from this point on, Order of Imperial has been built!
- Let She guide us all for the great of these lands!
Re: A matter of Faith
- Brother Alexander, brother Alexander - a voice was heard while Alexander was on the temple meditating.
- What is it Brother? - said Alexander while trying to calm the incoming person.
- Brother Alexander, they have attacked again and our Brother is in dire need of your help!
- Oh my, so much for the non-aggression pact. It is all happening again! What do this people have in their minds? White cloaks should be worried about criminals killing right in front of Britain fields, but no. - Running towards the wounded man, Alexander was troubled as this was something that could not be left without answer.
After the incident, everything became different. Everyone were feeling that there was no other way, the past between them was too strong to be forgotten. Many battles were fought between Imperial and Law and having both a different point of view of a perfect society, it seemed impossible for both to coexist in the same realm.
The council of Imperial were summoned to talk about the future:
- So Brothers, thank you all for coming. The reason why I summoned you is because of recent actions that those white cloaks made towards our members.
- It was predictable. - said Ondoher
- Indeed it was brother, but nevertheless there was a truce and those who still value their words, should keep it and not making slaughtering to undefended brothers.
- There is no honor on those ranks brother, it never had and it will never have. - said Arthur the representative of the knighthood.
- Still, at least we tried! - said Sarion
- Here is what we were trying to accomplish, I tried to approach the white cloaks before all this happened in order for us to establish ourselves in Moonglow. The town is almost empty from people and they were wasting too many troops in there, instead of protecting their citizens in Britain. I have offered the possibility for us to be in charge of Moonglow and in exchange they would be able to focus more on those areas where they feel they are lacking. Things were being worked until the day where they have decided to break the non-aggression pact that we have made.
- I say we strike brothers!! - said Ondoher with hanger - These actions cannot go unpunished!
- But this will have major impact on our members, do you think it will be wise to strike? - Said Sarion obviously worried with those members who are still struggling to establish themselves.
- As you all know, there was no reason for us to go on this war before. I did my best along with Basil to keep this war out from our borders. I understand that an answer for these actions need an immediate reply.
A difficult decision was to be made within the Imperial Council, while a peaceful action would benefit the church in terms of keeping the peace within the Order, it would also mean that the Order is weak an vulnerable. And there were no guarantees that no further attacks would occur. On other hand, a strike would mean war, those times were well reported back in the days where there were almost an everyday battle between the two Orders. This however would have the advantage of giving the sign and showing how powerful Her True Faith can be throughout the lands.
- Let us decide now brothers, let us decide on what to do. - said Alexander demanding a decision from the Council.
- What is it Brother? - said Alexander while trying to calm the incoming person.
- Brother Alexander, they have attacked again and our Brother is in dire need of your help!
- Oh my, so much for the non-aggression pact. It is all happening again! What do this people have in their minds? White cloaks should be worried about criminals killing right in front of Britain fields, but no. - Running towards the wounded man, Alexander was troubled as this was something that could not be left without answer.
After the incident, everything became different. Everyone were feeling that there was no other way, the past between them was too strong to be forgotten. Many battles were fought between Imperial and Law and having both a different point of view of a perfect society, it seemed impossible for both to coexist in the same realm.
The council of Imperial were summoned to talk about the future:
- So Brothers, thank you all for coming. The reason why I summoned you is because of recent actions that those white cloaks made towards our members.
- It was predictable. - said Ondoher
- Indeed it was brother, but nevertheless there was a truce and those who still value their words, should keep it and not making slaughtering to undefended brothers.
- There is no honor on those ranks brother, it never had and it will never have. - said Arthur the representative of the knighthood.
- Still, at least we tried! - said Sarion
- Here is what we were trying to accomplish, I tried to approach the white cloaks before all this happened in order for us to establish ourselves in Moonglow. The town is almost empty from people and they were wasting too many troops in there, instead of protecting their citizens in Britain. I have offered the possibility for us to be in charge of Moonglow and in exchange they would be able to focus more on those areas where they feel they are lacking. Things were being worked until the day where they have decided to break the non-aggression pact that we have made.
- I say we strike brothers!! - said Ondoher with hanger - These actions cannot go unpunished!
- But this will have major impact on our members, do you think it will be wise to strike? - Said Sarion obviously worried with those members who are still struggling to establish themselves.
- As you all know, there was no reason for us to go on this war before. I did my best along with Basil to keep this war out from our borders. I understand that an answer for these actions need an immediate reply.
A difficult decision was to be made within the Imperial Council, while a peaceful action would benefit the church in terms of keeping the peace within the Order, it would also mean that the Order is weak an vulnerable. And there were no guarantees that no further attacks would occur. On other hand, a strike would mean war, those times were well reported back in the days where there were almost an everyday battle between the two Orders. This however would have the advantage of giving the sign and showing how powerful Her True Faith can be throughout the lands.
- Let us decide now brothers, let us decide on what to do. - said Alexander demanding a decision from the Council.
Re: A matter of Faith
After some thoughts within the council the decision have been made.
- Well brothers so this is it. Shall we strike in Moonglow?
The answer was unanimous and all voted in favor.
- So be it! May She bless us all for Her True Faith will be brought to these lands loudly
And so it happened, they gathered in Temple and after the needed blesses the battle have begun:
One by one, the Moonglow guards fell on the ground until there were none left:
- May She bless this town for it shall be under our command now!
After summoning some guards, the victorious men were in need for some rest. Alexander thought it would be time to have a conversation with two council members who needed to know what he had to say:
- Brother Sarion and Ondoher, what I am about to tell you will be of surprise for you but I believe it shall be for the best. Some of you will have to lead Her Order of Imperial. I feel my time is comming.
Looking surprised, both men were intrigued of why would such recent and young priest say such thing.
- Why would you say such thing, we have just started! - Said Ondoher
- Yes I know brothers, I know what you feel, but this is till where I can go. But be assured that the reason why I bring you such news have nothing to do with me letting you down.
- So why you saying your time is coming?
- Well brothers, as you might have noticed, Basil have not be seen for quite some time. He along with me have gathered as much as we could for Imperial to be reestablished. I did all I could to keep us all ready for the upcoming days. And now, that my mission is accomplished with what we have just made, it is my time to return from where I came.
A silence was made, Ondoher and Sarion were not fully sure of what Alexander was meaning with "where I came", but did not dare to ask.
- So, one of you shall become the next leader, the next High Priest of Imperial.
- Brother, if I may be so bold. - Said Sarion
- Sure, what is it?
- Well, if it is between us, I would like to vouch for Ondoher. I trust him as my family and I am sure he will make a fine High Priest of Her.
- And you Ondoher, would you take this responsibility?
- Yes brother, I am ready to lead us and spread Her words amongst the ones who are guided wrongly.
- This is perfect then! Let us get ready, for I do not know how much time I have left. May She bless you all Brothers.
And from this moment a new era for Imperial have begun.
Let She guide you all for the great of these lands!
- Well brothers so this is it. Shall we strike in Moonglow?
The answer was unanimous and all voted in favor.
- So be it! May She bless us all for Her True Faith will be brought to these lands loudly
And so it happened, they gathered in Temple and after the needed blesses the battle have begun:
One by one, the Moonglow guards fell on the ground until there were none left:
- May She bless this town for it shall be under our command now!
After summoning some guards, the victorious men were in need for some rest. Alexander thought it would be time to have a conversation with two council members who needed to know what he had to say:
- Brother Sarion and Ondoher, what I am about to tell you will be of surprise for you but I believe it shall be for the best. Some of you will have to lead Her Order of Imperial. I feel my time is comming.
Looking surprised, both men were intrigued of why would such recent and young priest say such thing.
- Why would you say such thing, we have just started! - Said Ondoher
- Yes I know brothers, I know what you feel, but this is till where I can go. But be assured that the reason why I bring you such news have nothing to do with me letting you down.
- So why you saying your time is coming?
- Well brothers, as you might have noticed, Basil have not be seen for quite some time. He along with me have gathered as much as we could for Imperial to be reestablished. I did all I could to keep us all ready for the upcoming days. And now, that my mission is accomplished with what we have just made, it is my time to return from where I came.
A silence was made, Ondoher and Sarion were not fully sure of what Alexander was meaning with "where I came", but did not dare to ask.
- So, one of you shall become the next leader, the next High Priest of Imperial.
- Brother, if I may be so bold. - Said Sarion
- Sure, what is it?
- Well, if it is between us, I would like to vouch for Ondoher. I trust him as my family and I am sure he will make a fine High Priest of Her.
- And you Ondoher, would you take this responsibility?
- Yes brother, I am ready to lead us and spread Her words amongst the ones who are guided wrongly.
- This is perfect then! Let us get ready, for I do not know how much time I have left. May She bless you all Brothers.
And from this moment a new era for Imperial have begun.
Let She guide you all for the great of these lands!
Re: A matter of Faith
Where is this place? - said the man wondering what was going on around him.
Slowly he stood up, but he was too weak.
Where am I?
The air was humid and cold, the darkness was deep and the sounds were lost. He only could hear his heart beating very slowly.
* coughs*
In difficulty, he breaths and slowly feels gaining some strength.
What happened to me? Why am I in here?
Heeelloooo! Someone there!
He yells, in hope of something, but the only thing he could hear was the echo of his own words.
Where am I? - said him again.
Trying to figure out something, he wondered what were his last memories prior to this moment.
I can't understand anything, I don't remember anything. What am I doing in here?
Slowly he stood up, but he was too weak.
Where am I?
The air was humid and cold, the darkness was deep and the sounds were lost. He only could hear his heart beating very slowly.
* coughs*
In difficulty, he breaths and slowly feels gaining some strength.
What happened to me? Why am I in here?
Heeelloooo! Someone there!
He yells, in hope of something, but the only thing he could hear was the echo of his own words.
Where am I? - said him again.
Trying to figure out something, he wondered what were his last memories prior to this moment.
I can't understand anything, I don't remember anything. What am I doing in here?
Re: A matter of Faith
In an attempt to understand, he reaches a bag which was lying on the ground near his feet. The bag contained two things, a chaos shield and a Warmace. All of a sudden he realizes he is now in a new place. A place long lost from the past.
Her Holy Temple... Papua - he said.
It was a warm feeling, a feeling he had pursuit for a long time.
How did I get here? This place was lost as I recall.
He felt he could move there, and so he did. It was silent, only a small breeze could be felt, on the floor and the furniture everything was dusty.
While going through, he stops near a sign. To read he uses his hand to remove the dust.
Sauros Darkfall
He recognizes the room and so he pushes the door slowly. When finally the door opens he steps in and suddenly everything escaped from him and the darkness once again become part of his world.
For Her glory, what is happening? Where is this place, why am I going through this?
Her Holy Temple... Papua - he said.
It was a warm feeling, a feeling he had pursuit for a long time.
How did I get here? This place was lost as I recall.
He felt he could move there, and so he did. It was silent, only a small breeze could be felt, on the floor and the furniture everything was dusty.
While going through, he stops near a sign. To read he uses his hand to remove the dust.
Sauros Darkfall
He recognizes the room and so he pushes the door slowly. When finally the door opens he steps in and suddenly everything escaped from him and the darkness once again become part of his world.
For Her glory, what is happening? Where is this place, why am I going through this?
-
Arden Darkfall
- Posts: 407
- Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:13 am
Re: A matter of Faith
"I'll have your head for that ignominy!"
The brute picked up a stool behind him but before he could turn around, a flying bottle smashed over his head. His body, unconscious, fell near the counter where a drunk man uninterestedly turned back to his mug. "You'll have to wait in line..." - he mumbled, in between sobs.
His long, greasy, mane-like hair, falling off his shoulders, somewhat lighter than the wild, uncared beard where once there must have been a face, cracked lips turned grey... "Waiter!" - he shouted, throwing a couple of coins on the counter - "Grab me another."
A hand sprang from behind and grabbed the coins, and a surly voice is heard on his back: "Nay, you won't!". The drunk man turned around to see three vultures, more brawling brutes clenching their fists. He raises his head as to better see his enemies, only to find a punch on the way to his face.
"Hah, crap!" - and everything went black.
The brute picked up a stool behind him but before he could turn around, a flying bottle smashed over his head. His body, unconscious, fell near the counter where a drunk man uninterestedly turned back to his mug. "You'll have to wait in line..." - he mumbled, in between sobs.
His long, greasy, mane-like hair, falling off his shoulders, somewhat lighter than the wild, uncared beard where once there must have been a face, cracked lips turned grey... "Waiter!" - he shouted, throwing a couple of coins on the counter - "Grab me another."
A hand sprang from behind and grabbed the coins, and a surly voice is heard on his back: "Nay, you won't!". The drunk man turned around to see three vultures, more brawling brutes clenching their fists. He raises his head as to better see his enemies, only to find a punch on the way to his face.
"Hah, crap!" - and everything went black.
-
Arden Darkfall
- Posts: 407
- Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:13 am
Re: A matter of Faith
"Sir? Hello, sir?" - The voice echoed close but he couldn't say where those words came from. He felt his eyes opening slowly, spacing out in pain as he gazed unfocused into the distance.
The taste of wet mud mixed with blood crept in his mouth. A vulture right beside him staring right back was the last thing he noticed. He let his head down again and his consciousness slipped away.
An intense blue filled his sight. A clear sky from a dream of summer. Blurred shadows underneath became solid. First, tree tops. Then thatched roofs over cane walls erected before his eyes. He got up, his body did not weight at all. With teary eyes, a few words came out of his mouth: "Papua... Home!".
He could walk, though he could not force his eyes to see the floor. And he walked, or floated, he kept his course through the swamp and buildings he knew all too well, until the most familiar of them arose: The Temple. A sense of happiness overtook him. He climbed the stairs and took a look around. Just as he remembered. The marble altar where countless prayers had been made. The perfect central garden, the reunion table. His room... He went inside and picked up a robe and a hat of the sacred color, the one he had missed dearly.
The room right in front of him had belonged to an old friend. A long lost friend. As he reached the door he felt himself pushed behind and his vision blurred again.
He woke up. An old lady stared at him graciously by the side of his bed.
"Finally, child!" - she said, with a gentle smile - "We were losing hope you'd want to live at all."
He had no answer for such affirmation and didn't feel one was needed.
"Where am I? How did I get here?" - he asked, noticing the modest surroundings. It was a dark basement, with a few beds. The oaken wooden floor had seen better days and crumbled at every balance. Small, round stools were used as end tables by each bed, with candles placed upon them.
"You're in a safe place, where you can heal. You were brought here by a man, younger than yourself." - She paused to regain her breath, and continued - "He mentioned you as a friend in need of help. Your wounds are deep and need to be taken care of."
He nodded thoughtfully. It had been a while since he called anyone a friend. Sure he had a few. Just as sure as he knew he had left all behind in his quest which eventually took a wrong turn and had brought him ruin. The old lady interrupted again:
"He left something for you" - she said, grabbing a scroll from the closest stool.
His eyes gleamed with surprise. The seal image of the scroll was one that only a few had ever known. An orange coat of arms used for important messages between a group of his Brothers in a previous Era.
His hands shook as he grabbed the parchment. The lady stepped away and slowly walked to the door.
He quickly broke the seal and opened the scroll. Two simple words were written in it: "Find Sauros"
The taste of wet mud mixed with blood crept in his mouth. A vulture right beside him staring right back was the last thing he noticed. He let his head down again and his consciousness slipped away.
An intense blue filled his sight. A clear sky from a dream of summer. Blurred shadows underneath became solid. First, tree tops. Then thatched roofs over cane walls erected before his eyes. He got up, his body did not weight at all. With teary eyes, a few words came out of his mouth: "Papua... Home!".
He could walk, though he could not force his eyes to see the floor. And he walked, or floated, he kept his course through the swamp and buildings he knew all too well, until the most familiar of them arose: The Temple. A sense of happiness overtook him. He climbed the stairs and took a look around. Just as he remembered. The marble altar where countless prayers had been made. The perfect central garden, the reunion table. His room... He went inside and picked up a robe and a hat of the sacred color, the one he had missed dearly.
The room right in front of him had belonged to an old friend. A long lost friend. As he reached the door he felt himself pushed behind and his vision blurred again.
He woke up. An old lady stared at him graciously by the side of his bed.
"Finally, child!" - she said, with a gentle smile - "We were losing hope you'd want to live at all."
He had no answer for such affirmation and didn't feel one was needed.
"Where am I? How did I get here?" - he asked, noticing the modest surroundings. It was a dark basement, with a few beds. The oaken wooden floor had seen better days and crumbled at every balance. Small, round stools were used as end tables by each bed, with candles placed upon them.
"You're in a safe place, where you can heal. You were brought here by a man, younger than yourself." - She paused to regain her breath, and continued - "He mentioned you as a friend in need of help. Your wounds are deep and need to be taken care of."
He nodded thoughtfully. It had been a while since he called anyone a friend. Sure he had a few. Just as sure as he knew he had left all behind in his quest which eventually took a wrong turn and had brought him ruin. The old lady interrupted again:
"He left something for you" - she said, grabbing a scroll from the closest stool.
His eyes gleamed with surprise. The seal image of the scroll was one that only a few had ever known. An orange coat of arms used for important messages between a group of his Brothers in a previous Era.
His hands shook as he grabbed the parchment. The lady stepped away and slowly walked to the door.
He quickly broke the seal and opened the scroll. Two simple words were written in it: "Find Sauros"