Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Alright then, let's go!"

There was little fanfare as the two would leave Cassari. The traders were still here busy unloading their cargo and now there was a crowd gathered around buying their goods. Perhaps if you find anything interesting, you could sell it to them. In any case outside of Cassari was much more peaceful during the day, and now that the sun was up you can see much more of it. The you could see just a stone throw away a small hill leading down to a massive beach. The salt in the air was both refreshing yet thick. Far into the distance you could make out what looked like wooden walls, likely that camp you were told about. It was just barely jutting over the trees in between.

"Suppose we should find Dirk's hiding spot and gather supplies from there. Did you want to lead the way or shall I? If you want me to take point, I'll need to know what to look for."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

In the time Sylvia went to gather her things, Pylia had gathered hers. She didn't have much anything new, still carried her staff and shield, but her backpack seemed a bit lighter than before. "Don't carry too much stuff, we need the space to carry out herbs and whatever other loot we can. Oh, do you still have those berries? They should still be good, keep them on hand in case you get hurt. They can help heal any injuries you might have."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Oho? What a generous thief. Well, considering the hard work you put into capturing him, I think it's only right that you keep what he had stolen. In any case it's still fairly bright out right now. I'd say we have about four or five hours before night. If you want we could go ahead and look for that stuff now, come back to rest. I need some time to make those potions anyways."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Yeah, the one at the end of Sea Breeze Trail. That's the road out from Cassari that leads to Gransys." Pylia pointed towards where the town gate was at. "It's a shorter walk than when we had to run through the forest from my old house, I'd say we could get there in about two hours at a good pace without any distractions." Counting on her hand Pylia rattled off a few things. "The only threat would be goblins and wolves, and they won't be around too much during the day. This part of Gransys doesn't have much trade going on despite being a sea route due to how the duke manages his taxes. If you want, I think there might also be some herbs around the trail that I could work into some basic healing potions. They won't be too powerful but they keep well and they could help us on our trip. And finally if you really want you we could stop by the beach as well. Plenty of things wash up there. Maybe we'll find something good?"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"I thought about that already, unfortunately it seems like these traders are planning to head south instead of north towards Gransys. Word is however is that one of the military outposts is looking for mercenaries to escort a caravan to Gransys. If we get there by tomorrow, maybe we could sigh up for the job. We'll have numbers, some payment, and heading in the right direction."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Hah! I don’t know about the world you came from, but you can’t exactly just waltz right into the dukes court and ask him to read you his story. The guard would turn you at the door unless you have some urgent business or carry some influence.” Pylia sat up and looked at you while resting her chin on her hands. “For now I think you should start small. Find a place to establish yourself. Gransys is... Not the worse place to stay. Busy enough to not be a wretched city. Do some work, some research, and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Bah! The Duke would rather sit on his crown than admit that the dragon has returned. And speaking of which... I would be cautious if you do. Dragons... No one has seen one since the Duke had slain the Ebon Dragon all those years ago. The dragon itself isn't the only problem. Monsters have been known to rally around the beast when he arrives, for champions to rise out from the rabble to lead the monsters. Armies powerful enough to take over nations. If the dragon has indeed arrived, than a lot of people would be looking towards the Duke, the most recent dragon slayer, for leadership. That is to say..." Pylia sighed and laid her head down onto the table. "Bunch of politics. No nation would want to admit that they're not prepared to deal with a dragon and his army while they're still scrambling around their own borders, and certainly the king of Corbmac, that's the country we're in by the way, would also want to admit letting Duke be responsible for the slaying of another dragon. All the while you'll get tossed into this mess when you just want to find your way back home... You have my sympathies."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Oh. Not quite as bad as I thought.” Pylia still seemed tense. “But... If this was anyone else, I’d dismiss it as just a Dream. But... With all this weird stuff happening around you, maybe... But there’s no way...” Pylia kept trying to say something but seemed to be denying it herself. She just sighed and laid her hands down onto the table. “Well it’s too early to say. But obviously I hope you don’t need to slay some dragon to return to your home. If you’re to be the Arisen and the dragon has returned, well these two things will certainly be related.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia visibly looked surprised. She struggled to speak at first before she stammered out a few words. “You... Saw a dragon? Y-You mean in your dreams right?” Pylia seemed very focused on you right now. “I need you to tell me everything you saw in that dream.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia opened her mouth for a moment, but then closed it to think about something. "The Arisen, that's usually a title given to the likes of those who come from nothing, and rise to greatness. People like commoners who end up kings. I mean... Not that I don't think you're certainly a capable girl. You did help me out after all. If you didn't help save my old house, I would've had to creep to town at night, and possibly killed by undead. So as far as humble beginnings go... You could be an Arisen." Closing her eyes Pylia tried to think of something else. Trying to remember something important. "That being said, every Arisen has defeated some great threat to the land to really earn their title. If you really are one, what are you suppose to slay? The lands have always been a bit dangerous, what with undead and banditry, but nothing off the top of my head would make me think of anything disastrous."