Tales of Adventure

The Beginning of a Journey
by
Vellinous Tililanous Vivanesti

My left arm ached, throbbing from the gash given to me from the Goblin Warrior’s rusty axe. The last tinges of fever fell from my brow as Hykallens withering spell dropped away from me. Hykallen… she was a formidable foe indeed! I barely survived my encounter with her, though I cannot say the same for the graceful Greystar and the noble Rillvanna.

        “Atraiyu! I am close to death and Greystar has fallen! Quickly while her back is turned, lay the final blow!”, and as though he had read my mind, Atraiyu arm were already raised. Crossing them over his head and spreading his fingers, his hands cupped a tiny star. It grew, pulsating with life, living for a purpose. With a single thought, the star shot forth, growing in size and power. Hykallen, with her back turned, did not even see the final blow which would lead her into Innoruuk’s embrace. Though the battle did not end here.

        “Rillvanna! Behind you!”, I shouted while still engaged with Hykallen’s undead pet and a Goblin warrior. Two Elementals of fire rushed to meet her, and I knew she was in dire need of our help. With a cry to Tunare I slew the Goblin that stood before me and with a crushing blow, Atraiyu shattered the undead denizen. I quickly called upon Tunare’s magic and ensnared one of the elementals that was pursuing Rillvanna, yet the second continued to waylay her. Again I casted but alas I was too late, the noble Rillvanna fell!

        “Run Atraiyu!” and with the speed of the wolf we both fled for our lives.

     As I rested to regain my strength I heard a voice in my head.

   “Vellinous, how fare you travels?”, Master Trueshot’s familiar voice rang in my head.
   “I am well, under Tunare’s grace.”, I properly responded.
   “Your presence is required in Faydark, I fear there is a growing evil, which must be dealt with.”
    “I will obey Master, yet I have lost several companions, I cannot leave my friend Atraiyu now.”, I urged.
    “You are mistaken young one, look now and let your heart rejoice.”, Master Trueshot’s voice commanded.

As I lifted my head, tears welled up within my eyes, my heart filled with joy and my voice rang out, “Greystar, Rillvanna! You have returned!”. Standing before me was sight more beautiful than a sunrise in Kelethin. My two fallen companions, though they looked the worse for wear, walked up before more. “How by Veeshan have you come back from the dead?”, I asked. “Our actions were of justice and sacrifice, honor and courage. We have been given a new lease on life! To continue our journey and our friendship.”, they responded.

I have journeyed for some time now and I can only tell you, that friendship is more precious than any jewel or coin that one can lay their hands upon.

    “Master, I hear your words and I heed. What am I to do?”, I asked.
    “Gather those you would trust your life with, call upon those who keep you in their heart. Return to Faydark with the speed of the wind! When you reach the Port of Faydwer, journey to Kaladim and there you will find a dwarf warrior who goes by the name of Mogan. With him and your band journey to Dagnor’s Cauldron. There you will see the evil that has choked the land.”.

    “Yes Master I understand, but…”, I asked hesitantly.
    “Yes, Vellinous?”
    “Who am I? Who am I to ask these people to put their lives in mortal danger. To leave behind all they have built, all they have fought for. Who am I to ask them to journey so far away, to help with a cause which is not theirs?”
    “The answer you seek young Vellinous is very simple. They are your friends.”
    “I understand, I will speed upon my way.” And Master Trueshot’s presence faded from my mind.

As I turned to my friends, their eyes were upon me. I looked at each one, and I knew in my heart they would journey with me, they would lay down their lives for mine. That they would stand by me in my crusade to cleanse the land. As I looked into their eyes, I knew my answer, I knew they were my friends.

‘…and my friends I can only tell you, that friendship is more precious than any jewel or coin that one can lay their hands upon.’

Fin.
 
 
A special thanks to Vellinous who submitted this a long time ago.
We await your return my friend.