Final Journey
The faint howl of a wolf is heard echoing through the snowy peaks.
Odd, I think to myself. It’s the middle of the afternoon, and the night stalking beasts are already speaking their language of the hunt, prey close by.
As the ferry to Halas moved closer to the city gate, I began to realize just how long it’s been since I last set foot in my home town. Fifty-six seasons have passed, am I’m finally returning. Plagued with age and wear of decades of nonstop battles, I’ve come to…rest. I notice the city gate emerging in the distance.
I stumble as the ferry comes to an abrupt halt as it collides with the dock -- an experience I remember all too well from my childhood. I’m met with curious eyes as I enter the gate, and I stop to talk with nobody. Strangers. All of them, strangers. Am I going to be all alone here? Like an outcast?
I decide to head to the guild house of fellow rogues of the White Rose. As I enter, I’m met with a pleasant surprise as I immediately notice the figure of my former trainer, Cappi McTarnigal. He quickly invites me up to the upper floor of the guild house, where only the most prestigious of members were allowed to converse. I take a seat against the wall, as I’m feeling weak from the rough journey back to Halas.
We remembered old memories, shared new experiences. We talked of the time we wrestled the Ox to the ground, just the two of us. Such a fierce and long battle, yet we were able to down the beast wielded with only some daggers crafted from the bones of a bear cub. I looked up and noticed the head of that very beast still mounted proudly on the wall. If I remember right, that was the first living being I killed. Ah yes, those were the times, those were the times.
I start to nod off from the overbearing drowsiness, when Cappi asks if I would like to rest for a bit. I kindly reject his offer as I climb back to my feet. I know I mustn’t sit any longer, or risk being encouraged by sleep to the point of slumber. I could sense Terris eagerly waiting to invade. Terris always awaits this moment -- the state between reality and delusion. She’s always there. Stalking. Waiting.
I bid my farewells to Cappi and the rest of the guild house. I then decide to check up on Dok’s cigar shop to see if he’s in. Dok was like a father to me. Of course I never knew my father, or my mother for that matter. I was told my mother was taken from the city by a group of snow-dwelling orcs when I was only a year old. My father was last seen chasing after them, but neither ever returned. I was an outcast from the very beginning.
As I step up to the door, I notice total darkness inside, no candles lit. I knock anyway, perhaps he was just sleeping in the middle of the afternoon. After no response I try the door, but it was locked. I decide to wander around the city for a bit and try back later.
I happen past the old well in the middle of the city. I toss a few silvers into the depths of what seems to be an abyss of cooling water, quickly sinking out of sight. I wonder how much money is really at the bottom of this never-ending chasm? The questions continued. I wonder how everyone is doing back at the house of the Shadowed Blade? Has anyone noticed my departure? I begin reflecting my time with the Blade. It was well into the 30th season from my birth when I first entered the guild hall and was accepted as a member. It was the first time in my life that I felt accepted. I was no longer an outcast, shunned by a large number of my community. Sure Dok was always there for me, and I’ve always been very grateful for that. But now I was surrounded by an entire guild house of friends. No not friends, it felt more than that -- that must be what being a member in a family is like -- a close family. Emotions were shared, problems were solved. Tempers were flared, troubles resolved. It was a perfect family, working well together to accomplish any task set forth on in a determined act of togetherness. I left the house very late last night without a word. The house was silent, as everyone was still asleep. I was guessing there was a Warrior and Ranger drinking party, as the Warriors were still asleep, and there were a few dozen half naked Rangers littering the hallway and lounge floors. I couldn’t tell if they were male or female Rangers. It’s been 31 seasons here and I still haven’t been able to distinguish them. Nonetheless, I slipped silently into the night, on what I felt would be my final journey in this land. How I wish I could have thanked them for everything they’ve done, for all the assistance and camaraderie provided and how much it was appreciated. Alas, I must continue on my way. They must not know what ails me at this hour.
I sigh as I stare into the depths of the well, memories continuing to flood back. I must have been standing here for over an hour, as the sun was beginning to fade as the faint outline of Luclin emerged from the frosty peaks. I’m almost beyond fatigued, barely able to stand, bracing myself against the well. Before leaving, I remember the purpose of the well, and as I toss in a few more silvers, wish the Blades the best of luck from now to eternity. I must go check on Dok again, perhaps he has made it back by now.
I could see a candle illuminating the walls inside the store, so I knew he must now be back. I catch a glimpse of Dok upon entering the door in the corner of the room, and am met with a stern hand shake from the aged Barbarian. However soon after fall to my knees. I could no longer stand, it seems as if every muscle in my body is being stung by a dozen bixies, poked with millions of tiny daggers.
Dok helps me to my feet, and guides me to his bed around the corner. I could see a very worried look in his eyes. I remember that look, and know I haven’t seen it often, but I can’t quite remember when I’ve seen it before.
As I hit the bed, I hear him ask why I haven’t visited, why I didn’t come back sooner. I mumble that I’m here now, and I’m sorry for not coming around any after leaving Halas so long ago. He forgives me, and says he’s glad I did come back to the city now. Dok is now leaving the bed side. He must know that I’m worn out from my trip, so he’s leaving me to be alone for now. Alone. Like an outcast.
I try to fight the sleep, but it now has a firm grasp on my being. I brace myself for the perils of Terris to take over. Wait, what is this? No sign of Terris yet? Perhaps my nightmares are now over! Perhaps all I had to do was venture back to my home city and make amends with the citizens for staying away for so long to end the nightmares! The pain…parting. The troubles…leaving. The memories…fading.
The faint howl of a wolf is heard echoing through the snowy peaks.
-Sindier, Tholuxe Paells
Jessper233 Registered User
Posts: 31
(5/12/03 3:57 pm) Reply
Re: Final Journey
I'm sad for you even though I don't know you, this was stunning. /salute
Email This To a Friend
Topic Commands
Click to receive email notification of replies
Click to stop receiving email notification of replies