PAXLAIR - May 14, 1999 - Genn Wintord
With slow steps, Seer Daemeon made his way to a bench near the Spring
of Knowledge in PaxLair. Wrapping faded robes closer about his thin form, he
stared at the tainted well. All watching who knew him understood why his
gaze would be drawn to this corrupt spot of evil. It was the whole of his
existence. For near a year he had studied this spring in hopes of gleaning
some knowledge as to how it could be cleansed. Others had offered to aid in
his endeavor, but ultimately it stood untouched; a swirling pool of blood
full of the souls of innocents.
As those in the area noticed his presence, many came to inquire about
his health and any news he might hold as to relieving his suffering. His
short answer filled many with excitement, “There is a cure.†In a tired
voice Daemeon explained to those who remained that after careful research he
had found a cure to the ailment. When a suitable group had gathered around
he spoke of what was needed.
Seer Daemeon listed the ingredients he would need to the gathered
throng. Some of the required items such as ginseng, silk and a number of
potions were simple to pick up. A crystal ball was also quickly found and
accounted. But the final three items needed for the cure would be more
difficult to obtain. More difficult and more dangerous. A vial of living
water, one of blood, and the heart of a dragon… a daunting list.
The living water was gathered from a water elemental. Not generally
creatures with which one can reason, the brave warriors and mages had to
subdue the water elemental to get the needed living water. The vial of blood
was found by defeating a blood elemental at the shrine of sacrifice. The
most difficult of the three, though, was the heart of a dragon. As though if
would not be difficult enough to find and kill a dragon for its heart, the
dragon had to be of good virtue for the cure to work. A good dragon! Where
does one find a creature of that sort? But fortunately Seer Daemeon knew of
a dragon that might just fit what was needed. It’s name was Griingyll. The
adventurers found the dragon and convinced it to listen to their plea.
Griingyll followed them to PaxLair and inspected Seer Daemeon. With a snort
of smoke, Griingyll pronounced the seer worthy of such a sacrifice. But the
mighty dragon was too proud to just kill itself. Griingyll asked those
gathered to kill him in honorable combat. After a fierce battle, the dragon
fell. It is rumored Griingyll said something with his dying breath, “I know
thee seer, and thy mind. I’ll see thee soon.†Griingyll smiled at Daemeon as
he laid his head down and closed his eyes. All of the desired ingredients
were now ready.
Pulling himself to his feet with the aid of his staff, Daemeon went
to stand in front of the fountain. Vas Sanct Ylem was uttered and several
walls of force formed about him. “For our protection†he said. Gazing at
those waiting in anticipation he spoke, “Now that the wards have been set I
shall begin my task. I thank you all for risking thine lives for myself.
That which you have brought will cure the blight that hides the light.â€Â
And so the ritual began…
A phrase was spoken for each item as it was mixed with the others by his
hand. Many stared in wonder at the magic that would be performed before
them. Others waited to see this seer cured of his yet unexplained malady.
Holding the mixture before his mouth, Daemeon gave a light sigh. “I
accept,†he said before downing the concoction in a single gulp. A low peal
of thunder slid across the skies and a burst of sparkling light sprung into
being above the fountain. Flames danced over the tainted waters as white
lights continued to sparkle.
Daemeon gazed at the display in wonder. From around him, cries of
amazement, surprise and even fear escaped from the crowd. Seer Daemeon spoke
in a clear voice for the first time in months, “With my passing I return
that which was lost so long ago. As well as hope. Fare you well… my
friends.†These would be the last words ever spoken by Daemeon as a living
being.
His pale body fell to the grass in front of the fountain almost
silently. Seconds later, something arose from the frail corpse. It held the
appearance of Seer Daemeon, but was as transparent as the wind. It drifted
up over the fountain and slowly descended into the blood tainted depths of
the spring. As the apparition disappeared from sight, the fountain suddenly
began to flow with clear blue water.
Much that would be spoken of for many days had transpired. Daemeon’s
cure had never been for himself, but rather for the spring all along.
Questions remained, but none present would ever question the courage of
Daemeon’s sacrifice. And the fountain was from then forth known as the
Spring of Courage.
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