So the Journey Begins

A single translated word spurred one of the greatest linguists out of the lecture halls of White Stronghold and into the research field. The word came from an excavation from deep within the Magragun Jungle in recently found ruins. A book from the ancient Order of the Holy Mantle was found. In and of itself that was not surprising, they were found nearly everywhere. What spurred such a hasty action of such size, cost and secrecy was two fold. The author and the first word translated were of great importance. It was the original journal of Saul D'Alessio, the legendary defender of Ancient Kryta. The book they received was mostly copied. They were delivered directly to the office of the Ascalonian Research and Development School's Dean. , Dean and founder of the School, looked over the pages quietly double checking the translations. The fireplace crackled as the sun slowly set at the horizon. He found himself staring at just one word. Mursaat. Gersold looked up and waved in the man at the doofrway. He opened up a drawer pulled out some of his special reserve and filled two bottom heavy glasses with some of the golden liquid. "You know this is a good opportunity", Gersold said as he slid the glass to his guest. "We can send who you wanted down there to inspect all of this. But, are you sure this is who you want?" His guest nodded and sipped the drink, savoring the strong bitter flavor. "Well then we need to move quietly to get this all done quickly. I can't give you much of a window to get things done on your end." The two men finished their drinks; the quiet visitor placed his glass back on the desk. Gersold rose from his chair and escorted his guest to the door. "One last thing my old friend," Gersold said as he placed his hand on the knob, "You were right this place has been of use to us." The guest looked up at Gersold and smiled, "Yes, it has been and it will continue to be so my old friend." With that the man departed into the maze of halls.

Shortly after Gersold visited eleven linguists and told them to meet at the gate room early the next morning and to pack to travel over land. All of the travelers wore the cloak of the traveler that any traveling scholar would wear, adorned with brilliant reds and blues intertwining in knot-work patterns around the hem of their white hooded-cloaks, rising in the back to form an arcane symbol for knowledge at the bottom of the back. Gersold handed two sealed envelopes to Dorian, the leader of the linguists this expedition and skilled if egotistical linguist and translation specialist. "Now, Dorian, the first is to be opened in Lion's Gate that is for your eyes only." Dorian started to glare at Gersold not enjoying being told how to run an expedition. Gersold smiled in turn, "The latter is for you and the mercenary group's leader to read." Dorian's glare turned rapidly into surprise as color faded from his face, "Mercenary? Wh… why do we need those people?" Gersold placed a reassuring hand on Dorian's shoulder, "They are there to make sure the workers do not bother you and your work. Dorian, you've lead nearly fifty expeditions. This one is by far the most important. Against my better judgment I will share one extra thing with you. This expedition is about a language that was more based in legend and lore than in history. Should you perform as you have in the past, well the council will be forced to finally accept my request to have you finally made chair of the Research and Expedition department." A smile crossed Dorian's face,"Yes, that would be good of them to finally do. Lets go, we've wasted far too much time here blabbering about."

They travelled quickly along the magical gate network the humans had constructed over the past few generations going from the far northern reaches to the shore line of Lion's Gate in the matter of a few hours as opposed to months of hard travel. Upon arriving Dorian opened the letter and scoffed immediately. "I'm supposed to lead these vagabonds through some dense jungle instead of using the ROADS? What in the world was that old bat thinking? Ugh, well at least this is going to be to someplace new this time."

Dorian was the epitome of what the common man despised in scholars and aristocrats. A frail man who had a temper flared worse than the Norns of legend and a glare of despise towards his fellow man only hear of in the now extinct Charr. He scowled as he looked over the near dozen other linguists that he was forced to take with him. Grumbling as he looked over his orders from the Council. "Order, who do they THINK they are!" Dorian hissed at the document, "I alone am enough to figure it all out, I don't need anyone else. Especially this group of intellectually stunted... stunted… stunted... NINCOMPOPS!" He crumpled up the paper and shoved it into his pack. Walking towards the group he examined them a bit closer, only one of them being worth of any note. A tall burly man wearing loose dark colored clothing seemingly fit for sailors or pirates who seemed more physically suited to day labor than to researching words and markings. However, he was an expert in cross cultural markings, with a frighteningly high amount of knowledge in ancient markings. Dorian stared at the group for some time wondering why the Council ordered this group to come. There were dozens of other, significantly more qualified individuals out there to help with the excavation and translation. This group is hardly fit for something this delicate and work intensive. "Well," Dorian whispered to himself feeling the power of his ego rise, "perhaps it's to show them how to do it. Yes, that must be the reason. They finally understand the brilliance that is Dorian Siconal. And they want me to impart my vast knowledge and experience in the field on these idiotic fools. Yes, that makes sense. It feels good to finally be appreciated"

The hustle and bustle of Lion's Gate has been well on its way but held little interest with the group. They all gathered and waited by the exit to the west waiting for their escort. The curious looks from the townsperson and traveling merchants alike bothered most of the group. The constant and stern gaze from the local military the Gate Defenders did little to quell the unease in their stomachs. Thankfully their wait was short, from the crowed walked forward three individuals walking directly towards the group. Dorian played close attention as they grew closer. Two men and one woman walked quickly as they weaved in and out of the crowds. Their cloaks had no hoods on them and were different for each individual. The woman wore a black and red cloak partially opened revealing traditional leather armor. Her red hair, tied behind her head, showed off the sharp features and violet eyes. Dorian found himself impressed with her beauty, noting the only thing missing was a smile. One of the men wore a more common cloak and would be easily lost in the hustle and bustle. His head was shaven and skin was tanned like that of farmers he too wore a stern look his cold brown eyes seemed to measure up everyone around Dorian. The last man wore something far more noticeable than his companions. A bright white cloak seemed to shrug off the mud from the ground. A royal blue dye was obviously applied and very well all around the neck and shoulders. This man was the only one to smile, and warmly, at the group.

As they drew closer the woman walked off to the guards by the gate and started talking to them. The two men stepped in front of the group and waited for their undivided attention. The man in white spoke, "Please gather your things and be ready to head out in the next few minutes. My name is Jenkis, he is Perious, and the woman is Ruby. We are your guides and escorts." Jenkis a man of average height and build, brown hair and blue eyes looked over at Dorian, "You are Dorian, I was told to hand you this signet ring to confirm that we are indeed your escorts." Dorian accepted the signet and looked it over and compared it to the imprint of the wax, "Well, at least you aren't a bunch of slackers, unlike some OTHER people I am forced to travel with", he spat towards the group as he marched off to the gate. Jenkis sighed and looked at the group. "Well this will be enjoyable at the very least." They passed through the gate, the guards now saluting the group as they passed through.

Days and many miles had passed with Jenkis leading the group quickly over land, showing them shortcuts and obscured pathways. The linguists were impressed with their knowledge of the landscape. Few even spoke aloud of the speed they traveled. Dorian found himself quietly agreeing with them, they were cutting a quick path through the land, while tiring he knew traveling by wagon would likely get them to the same place around the same time. The forests turned into plains as they avoided as much contact as possible, stopping overnight only twice to replenish some supplies or get information about how the weather has been. Soon they found themselves at the edge of the Magragun Jungle. Only a few more days of traveling and they would arrive. Dorian pulled out the crumpled paper and checked the date. He froze in a moment when he realized they were about to arrive a full week ahead of time, he looked upon the three mercenaries, who were talking to the other linguists, as if they were from not of this world. He collected himself after some time and walked over to the gathering.

"Now, I'm handing out some trinkets here I want all of you to wear," Jenkis said as he handed out vine necklaces with silver trinkets to all of the linguists. "I'm certain many of you are wondering why. I guess I should answer that question and another that has been bubbling in your mind," he noticed Dorian approach and moved to allow him in to the small gathering giving a respectful nod, "Master Dorian." Dorian smiled with satisfaction and returned the nod. "Now, you have not doubt noticed that we have traveled a great distance in the matter of just under two weeks when it should take three weeks by carriage. The reason is because of me. I am a healer. Not the garden variety you find who uses bandages, rather I can use the divine arts of healing." He made a few gestures with one hand and small motes of white and gold light came up from the necklaces he handed to them all. The linguists watched delighted at the talent this man had. "We stopped and ate food I prepared and infused with my magic to remove all stress, fatigue and everything else that could have slowed us down. We will not be stopping to rest in the jungle, as no one will be able to see us as opposed to the plains and forests. We are a few days out from reaching the site and we promised to get you there on time. If you would please wear the necklaces or at the very least keep it on your person I can keep all of us at peak shape. Thank you." Dorian stepped forward a scowl on his face "And where is MINE? I've noticed you've given EVERYONE else one and yet not the leader of them." Dorian crossed his arms and tapped his foot. Perious reached into his satchel and pulled out a dark wood box and speaking for the first time barely louder than a hushed whisper "That is simple, dear Dorian. We have something very, unique, for you to wear in our travel through this jungle. I do hope you find it to your taste." He opened it and revealed a golden chain with an obsidian icon hanging off it. "It is… acceptable", Dorian spat as he snatched it from the box and quickly placed it on his person. Perious let a small twisted smile break through to the surface as he turned to put away the box. The group checked their necklaces and secured their traveling packs, anxious about the last leg of their journey, but ready to start going.

The night sky bled into a stunning morning sunrise over the mountains. The night mist acting like a prism adding more colors to the start of the morning. Travelers have called these rare events Lyssa's Gaze, due to the entrancing and fleeting nature of it. No time was available to entertain such a sight however for this group of travelers. They were getting ready to continue their struggling through the jungle. Several days have passed as they worked their way through the jungle. Jenkis was true to his word no one in the party grew tired, hungry or thirsty for that matter. All was going well until the sudden female scream from ahead of the group, as everyone looked up Ruby had disappeared. The group quickly converged on the location where Ruby once was and found a massive hole, light mingled with dust obscuring the view of the bottom. Jenkis pushed in front of the group and leaned into the hole. "Ruby, are you there? Are you ok?" A few moments of silence tortured the group. "Yes, I'm here. I'm not all that great right now. You really might want to hurry up and get down here." Ruby's voice sounded breathless and softened the longer she talked. Perious had already fastened a knotted rope to the base of a particularly sturdy plant and tossed it over the edge. Jenkis nimbly went down the rope to tend to Ruby. Minutes passed by and slowly the dust settled giving the group a haze filled look at the Ruby and Jenkis. A white and light with amber tones reached their eyes. The sound of the jungle quieted down enough to hear a sonorous chant coming from Jenkis as the deep and painful looking wounds on Ruby mended quickly. "As soon as she is stable climb up and let us hurry on our way Jenkis. She was foolish enough to tumble like an IDIOT and cost us time." The linguists, used to Dorian's antics just hung their heads in shame. "It is only proper. AFTER, you get us to our destination. I may allow you to come back for her." Dorian leaned over the hole and scowled at Jenkis oblivious to the wounded woman, "JENKIS! Are you even listening to me? Huh? ", he stormed away from the hole muttering angrily to himself. Dorian's internal tirade was cut off as the sound of ground falling mixed with shouts and screams of the linguists. Dorian rushed back to the hole and peered down. The linguists, his entourage, his companions laid sprawled across the floor.

The ground starts to shift again, slowly covering over the hole that was once there. Dorian froze as it seemed his fellow linguists were going to be eaten by the land. Pangs of regrets and remorse coursed through his mind. He slowly stepped back step by step until he bumped into something. Moving with good speed and spinning quickly, Dorian was able to breathe an audible sigh of relief. "Oh, Its just you Perious. We need to find a way to get them out of there. We don't know what happened to them." Perious just smiled at him. "What. Why are you just standing there? PERIOUS, we must get them out. I order you to help me. You are here to serve at the leisure of the leader of the expedition!" Perious just shook his head and laughed coldly. "Is that so dear Dorian? Perhaps you should open up the other letter and read it." Dorian looked confused at Perious as he reached into his pocket. Pulling out the other letter, Dorian's hand start to shake and his body went cold as he started to read the letter. "I… I… I don't understand. What does he mean by this?" Perious' indifferent pose and expression quickly turned menacing. "You don't know dear Dorian? Must I also explain that to you? You are no longer needed. You were a pawn to be used to get the pieces in place for what we need. But do not worry, for I have claimed a use for you."

Dorian's mind raced, he knew to flee. He needed to run. The road was less than a mile from where he was. If he ran he might be able to make it there before Perious caught him. Even though he wanted to run, knew he needed to run, he found his feet stuck in the ground. "My dear Dorian, perhaps you have been ill informed of just who we are. Yes, we are mercenaries. However our cause is our own. What we earn we use to further establish ourselves or members of ours around the world. The man you call Gersold The White is one of our oldest members. He heads up just one of our branches. Yes, Dorian, I do know what's racing through your mind. You were just a piece that we toyed with," Perious chuckled a bit, "Please, excuse me dear Dorian. It's just that I love giving this speech to people. I unveil all of our plans and goals and ambitions for our group with great pride and gusto. Why? Well unlike the criminal masterminds in the poorly written novels in this day and age, I'm going to keep you as a minion." A sick smile crossed his lips showing his white teeth. Perious drew a symbol in the air and started his spell "Xens Kivs Lus Nox Mimz. Dom Fuliz Co Xenz Kivs." A green light sparkled in the air following his tracing in the air entrancing Dorian. Dorian breathed in slowly feeling nothing, no pain, no burning, nothing. "Was the spell a dud? Was this just a fake out? Why would Master Perious do such a thing?" He thought to himself. Dorian's eyes went wide, "Master Perious? Why would I think of something like that? Why would I call him master? I have no reason to obey. No reason what so ever. I must never disobey him." As Dorian felt his mind slowly slip from his control being twisted by the incantation, he saw an image from the deepest and darkest nightmares he ever felt. The image of Perious had drastically changed. He stood before him, paler than snow with blood red hair and blank white eyes staring at him. He felt his physical body start changes and he knew in his soul that he would not be who he was anymore.

Below the ground Jenkis had already set up and lit a set of torches. He set them carefully in the strewn debris around the room working quickly to pull everyone to safety. "Well, I really am glad I made those necklaces sturdy", Jenkis said with a laugh. The linguists looked at him with awe, "You saved us" "Oh thank you!" The linguists poured out the compliments to a smiling Jenkis who just waved them off. "Now, now everyone lets contain our joy pick up the torches and get ready to move, the ceiling is far too high and the rope is gone." With that the linguists took in the place that surrounded them. Rubble covered what looked to be steps leading away, covered in the rocks and dirt from their recent fall. Beyond that the look of hewn stone blocks covered the steps. The chamber was quite large, giving them all more than enough room to be seated, even if it was uncomfortable. Two of the walls had heavily blocked passageways leaving only one option. The youngest linguists perked up and looked around the room frantically for a few seconds and scrambled over to the rubble, "Is Miss Ruby… is… is she?" A hand was placed on her shoulder, "Oh me? I'm fine. Stuff like that happens all the time to me. Thankfully I've got good back up." She playfully waved at Jenkis who shook his head. "I hate to get serious right now, but we're underground in a series of tunnels that no one has been in for an unknown period of time." He gave the group a stern look. "The necklaces will continue to protect you so don't worry about that. Please stay between the people with the torches, this is so that we can keep track of everyone." The Luxon looked around "Eh, what about Dorian and Perious? Dey aren't down here with us. Dey gonna be fine?" Ruby grabbed two torches, handed one to the Luxon as she spoke, "Perious is probably more skilled at survival than any one we could've brought. There is little that can happen that he can't survive, or any number of people who he can't take care of." She flashed a smile to the group, who sighed with relief. Jenkis locked eyes with hers and motioned for her to lead. "Ok, we can chat while we start on our way out. Make sure to leave nothing here. Ruby will be in the lead, half of the group follows her. Mr. Luxon please be the torch bearer in the middle. Everyone else go next. I'll be in the rear." Everyone followed Jenkis' commands and walked down the wide hallway watching the torchlight dance off the dark stone.

After the group left from the blocked hallways stepped a half dozen apparitions who looked at one another. They turned their attention to one who emerged from the rubble by the stairs. With a few gestures the transparent figures walked into the walls to watch and follow the group. The ghost at the stairs remained and clasped his hands on a medallion around its neck for a few moments before following as well.