Such a strange day, filled by such strange people. All through out Gideon people seem genuinely placated by their existences, no one seems to want to try for a better life, or for a better country. It confuses me that people would be so insistent on money for good deeds. Doesn't taking money for them take away from the power of the deed itself?
Father was particularly strange the other day; I woke up to him sneaking into my bedchamber well before dawn had touched the sky. He seemed, well, quiet, unsure of the people around him, unsure of even our most trusted friends and allies. He pulled out a strange blue stone before speaking, intoning some strange words, causing it to glow eerily. He said it would prevent people from eavesdropping. My only question is why anyone would go to so much trouble to eavesdrop, when all they had to do was ask, I'm sure father would be forward with them.
Anyways, Father was insistent that I find people whom could be trusted. People, who had no loyalties. People, who would work for money. I told him to send one of the servants to a tavern, that they would be able to solve this dilemma for him, but he seemed confused by my statement. He just looked at me like I was still just a little boy, ignoring the man that I have become. I really don't like it when he does that, but that's father for you.
After several moments he leaned in closely and told me that he was unsure as to whether or not they could be trusted either, that I was the only one whom he knew would not betray him, which was strange, because Calahir has always been his most trusted advisor. He told me to do whatever necessary to provide him with the men he needed. After informing father that I would summon my entourage immediately and scour the countryside for the most noble men in the land to complete this quest, he just looked at me sidelong and said I must travel alone so as not to draw unnecessary attention. I told him that I understood; at least I think I understood.
I left immediately that morning, after properly equipping myself with my armor and my second finest clothes (didn't want to be too conspicuous) and my trusty steed, Thunder. I traveled for several days staying at inns in the towns I came across, being sure not to tell anyone but the inn keeps whom I was, so as to keep a low profile. I must say, though the living conditions were less than I'm accompanied to, I was quite impressed by their service.
After traveling a few days it occurred to me that I was having absolutely no luck, most people shied away from me when I tried to speak, others seemed too willing to listen, but paid no heed to the words that I spoke. It was beginning to frustrate me, when I realized, Danyelle might know whom to ask, he's always spent more time in taverns and inns than in the keep. So I traveled south, to Allstone.
The journey went by much quicker than I anticipated; a couple of gentlemen approached me on the way with swords drawn. I immediately checked around to see what they were trying to protect me from; it was then that I realized they meant to do something completely different. I spoke to them for a little bit, quite intrigued as to why such fine gentlemen would try to harm the prince of Gideon. The three of them told me to just give up my sword and money, they seemed quite intent on it. They also seemed quite intent on the idea that I wear my sword as a piece of jewelry, I think they were surprised when I laughed at their grand joke.
I think after my unwillingness to give up my possessions they finally decided to spar with me, to test my ability with the sword. They seemed to believe it was a wonderful joke, betting between each other whom could take me the fastest. I don't think they won their bets though, as I disarmed them all within less than 30 seconds. Seems they believe my words now. Such a strange bunch, cursing as they did, it reminded me of my brother. So I left them there, leaving a few gold pieces with them for their efforts. None of them were seriously wounded, though they now know better than to spar with the prince of Gideon . It's strange; they seemed less than grateful with my gift.
After reaching Allstone I quickly made my way through the city, it would be more impressive were the people to learn to take a bath every once in a while. I was surprised at my luck when the first tavern I went into contained my goal, my brother Danyelle.
He seemed to be having a grand time mumbling into his ale at the bar, though he appeared less than enthused to see me. I can't imagine why not, as I know I was certainly quite happy to see him. I spoke to him for a few minutes attempting to raise his spirits by telling him that I would take him home to see father, he seemed to want to stay though. After getting down to business he was quite happy to point out a gentleman that I could inquire to, sitting in the corner next a very large sword.
While approaching the man on business I was stopped by a fairly beautiful woman, I say only fairly because she seems to need to lighten up a bit, and she has a strange presence about her. She seemed interested immediately in helping father though, in fact her eyes seemed to light up at the notion. What luck, I knew finding Danyelle would be of help. After inquiring her name I learned it was Veridean, such a pleasant name.
I then approached the man in the corner. He seemed quiet, but cordial, as he pushed a seat out for me immediately. After explaining my need he seemed eager to help as well; no wonder Danyelle comes to these places, everyone is so helpful. Just before I could get his name a strange man stuck his head into our conversation, he seemed strange, like one of father's friends.
Just then a woman screamed as a man walked through the door, before I could even stand it seemed the man whom I was speaking with was already engaged in some sort of battle. I started across the room, to break up this fight, when I noticed what he was fighting. Though, I didn't know what it was at first, I could sense it's evil. After the man put the creature down I learned it was some sort of undead creature, how unfortunate that it had to come to pass that my trip would be taken by such an ill omen.
Almost immediately though, the strange man who had stuck his head into our conversation pulled me outside and told me that my arrival was some sort of sign that he must travel with me. Such strange people. Not a moment later the man from the corner, whom was later identified as Aeric, came running out, telling me that there were more of those creatures by The Docks. Without thought I ran to do battle with the evil. I didn't really need to think about it, there had to have been subjects of my father's who needed my help.
The Docks themselves seemed covered in some strange mist, the entire place reeked of evil, though all I could see was strange shapes looming in the distance, and another lying down ahead. Immediately I ran to the person’s aid, only to discover they were one of the undead as well. It seemed several people had followed to do the work necessary here. The battle proceeded fairly well, as most of the creatures seemed to run away to hide in the weeds under The Docks.
A particularly nasty creature appeared, but was felled quickly by myself and an extremely decisive blow, dealt by the warrior Aeric; he is definitely going to please father. Any man who can handle a sword that well, no matter how he may dress, must have a purely noble spirit.
The battle raged through the night and into the dawn, as we, with the help of the city guards, all fought valiantly, except Veridian, whom stayed to the side the whole time. By the time it was all said and done it seems the strange mist had lifted and the undead fell to the ground. The strange man who followed from the inn seemed to think this was part of his vision, or something, and one of his companions, a cleric of Jerick (the name sounds familiar) seemed to agree.
This has turned out to be a magnificent adventure. I hope father is pleased. I also hope Danyelle decides to return with us. |
