Troubling Times

[Bruzog]

I have journeyed with some of the others to seek out water, both fresh for drinking and that of the sea for Raine. My path lead me through sand laden deserts under an unforgiving sun, we made our way to a town between and Veltiva on the coast and Gandra where the others. These places in between, are insufferable. The earth is cracked and parched, every gust and breath taken choked with sand. It feels like the only good places to live are where the towns have sprung up.

I was met with mild suspicion by the guards, much to my surprise as I had found the people before most welcoming in this Duchy. We were allowed entry regardless. I set the horses to rest in a shaded place with water before seeking out relief for myself(I do not like horses but they served me well). I took libation in the local cantina to soothe my dried throat, but overheard some unsettling rumors amongst the towns people.

“There was a group of foreigners who came to Gandra and now the ancient temple is destroyed…. Now, I’m not saying they did it, but the temple had been around longer than anyone could remember before they showed up.”

“I don’t know about all that, they did fund my newest art commission though.”

“I heard the elephant sage was in town, I hope he wasn’t hurt.”

“I hope they know what they are getting into in Ancuram.”

Another one of the locals cried out “POUR ONE OUT FOR TAKA!! A TRUE HERO! MAY HE REST IN PEACE!! ALL GLORY TO THE GUARDIAN!!” he was of little note besides he wore an unusual moth pendant.

I could venture a guess at what my folk had been doing in my absence, though the details were scarce at best from what I could glean from gossip. I felt that perhaps it was best to carry on with his business, lingering there could draw unwanted attention. The town itself seemed quiet, there were was no shortage of people about but… it was just rather quiet. After some time looking and asking around I found my way to a general store. I asked the owner who’s name was Gradilyn for water, she was happy to oblige though found the request for sea water unusual. She had two barrels, and many more of fresh water, that from the ocean was imported from Veltiva as I’d estimated and what lead me here in the first place.

I received a raven from Meat during my short stay, telling me some of what transpired, confirming the rumors I’d heard earlier. The folk there were troubled, disappearances had happened of late in the area. Some guessed at trafficking, others speculated of more sinister causation.

One such dark rumor I heard was thus; “We found a body and it wasn’t like any death I’ve ever seen before. The man was eaten! EATEN!! I’ve heard of this thing happening in Jernigan, but not here!”

Troubling to be sure, horde this far south and west? Or perhaps it was some beast or monstrous creature, native or from a portal I cannot say. I encountered some undesirable travelers that held others against their well and I left the captors hewn but the survivors fled before I could question them. I doubt they’d seen an Orc before, or at least not one like myself from Vertigron, besides they were terrified from their ordeal. I hope they found their way to safety regardless….

Whatever these fell tidings mean, I must return to my people as soon as I can. I fear for their safety and I must know more about what happened, and what these people of “Sanctuary” intend. We have set back out on the road, soon I shall see my folk once more.

[Author]

Posts