The journey to the surface was long, but not hard. You, the adventurers, passed several dark causeways. Everywhere, an eerie mist exuded from the stark grey rock. It was almost as if the round passageways had been burrowed by an acid monster.
Your guide explained: "We have been recovering slaves from the Drog diggings for some time now. They suspect something is wrong, but they've never caught us. You are very lucky; some we have not been able to reach..." You feel that you are being watched from all directions, and that sharp eyed elves are hiding in the mist.
At long last, you made a wide turn around a small under ground lake and its magnificent cavern, and you headed toward one small corner with a waterfall. The smaller elf grabbed Cher's hand, and put the other in Byc's hand.
He admonished her: "The surface is just outside, behind the wall of water, but you must hold your breath..." You all grasped eachother's hands and formed a chain.
"A-ha!," exclaimed Kuros, "a water passage!"
After entering the fall, you felt wet all over for a second, and then you emerged: cold and tired.
The small elf gave you each a towel to dry off with, a green jumpsuit with leather belt, a camouflage cloak, a hunting cap, and sturdy leather moccasins. You rested by the waterfall in a hidden, picturesque valley. The sun was high and bright. The weather was partly cloudy. Again, the small healing elf handed you something: A seed cake from a pouch that he was carrying. And, of course, the fresh stream water was brisk and thirst quenching.
The taller elf spoke: "I, Elkin, which means `Elvenkind,' have accompanied you to the surface. I will also escort you to the borders of our land. I will call you Elfin from this day forward. If you are wondering, the date is duca-forcil. Elfin, which means `Elf Friend,' I give you these gifts; which you will need to survive: Here is a shriken (spear) with a tip of emaril, a stout lutar (bow), and plenty shrill (arrows) for the lutar to fly. We will teach you how to live in the wilderness."
Elkin then raised his hands, went into a trance, and spoke: "Elfin, I see your questions:
WHERE SHALL WE DWELL? You may dwell in this valley, which leads down the mountain to the Vivar River, a tributary of the Crystal Mirror River. You may dwell here if you wish, or seek the village at the end of the valley to the North-East.
WHEN WILL WE RETURN TO VASQUENTA? There will be a time when the great armies of Baldor will be defeated. Then it will be possible for you to return.
WHAT LIES BEFORE US? To the west are the mountains of Baldor, Just beyond is the coast of the Azure Ocean; where is found the Barbarian Kingdom. To the East is the Crystal Mirror River, that runs from North to South. Beyond the Crystal's Valley are the gigantic Dondor Mountains. In the Crystal's Valley are the Maple Forest and the North Holding. To the North-East is the Plain of Uria; where dwell the Uri Plains-people. To the North and South are the Baldor Mountains. You are at the Eastern Edge. You may travel in them thirty days either North or South. But...beware the folk of the Western side.
HOW SHALL WE TRAVEL? Legs must do where steeds are not found; but here, you need not travel alone. Here are some reed whistles. If you discover how to use these, they will be valuable treasures.
WHERE IS THE NEAREST PLACE OF ORGANIZATION? At the place where this valley meets the Vivar, is a place of your kind.
WE SEEK A TEACHER OF SORTS. I foresee that you will find him, although he does not seek you.
WHERE WILL WE LODGE? Ah, the wilderness is now your home and the sky is your roof! Ho-Ha!
WHERE CAN RICHES BE FOUND? At last, you are rich in the GIFT of freedom...
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© Copyright 1999 by Abram Paradies.
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