The Resurrection

Esgaroth is a peaceful land, except for the mountains in the southeast. In those mountains live the Goblins, a race of pesky little dwarf-like creatures. With their stinky hands and filthy habits, they pollute the beautiful land from the mountains.

Deep inside the land of Esgaroth lies a beautiful place, a small village surrounded by a dark, dense forest. This small village is called Gha-Nol, made up mostly of farmers, and, right now, looks deserted. There is nobody working the fields, sweeping their homes or making food for the evening. It is a rare occasion, but there are two of the most famous warriors in the tavern having a drink. Therefore, the entire village is there too, in the hope of not only getting a glimpse of them, but also to hear some of their fabulous stories.

"We really were lucky that bridge held us when it did!" said Odin, the dwarf with a long beard and fat belly. "Yes we were my friend." Asgard replied as he sipped his Galadian Ale. Odin continued his story: "So we went on into the tower only to discover we had the wrong tower! And, even worse, we had to go back over that bridge. Sorcerers, Goblins and even Loki doesn't strike as much fear in my heart as that bridge did!". The people in the tavern bursted into a laugh; knowing that Odin was afraid of heights, but did not fear the most powerful and evil creatures of the planet really enjoyed them. Even Asgard showed a hint a smile, but being the quiet type he kept sipping his ale.

The crowd was sitting in a wide circle around the two heroes, listening for their stories for over two hours now. Odin never got tired of telling stories of bravery to others, but Asgard was more to himself. He wanted to get out of the tavern and stand in the glittering sunlight. He could hear Odin talk but he wasn't really listening to him.

"Asgard. Asgard! ASGARD!" Odin shouted into his ear. "What?" "I was telling about our journey back, but you weren't paying attention anymore to my story?" Odin said with a hint of being hurt.

"Sorry I need to get some fresh air." Asgard said as he got up and headed out of the tavern in a hurry. Ploughing through the crowd he reached the door and opened it just in time to let Aphrodite in. Asgard's voice stuttered immediately when he saw it was her. "A-aphrodite? W-what are you d-doing here?" she smiled at him "Still can't stand beautiful women I see?" her smile faded. "Well I actually have come to bring you all a message."

Feeling this could be bad, Asgard moved aside to let Aphrodite enter the tavern. He followed her lead back inside.

***

They all stayed in the tavern that night, although hardly anybody who had heard Aphrodite's story slept. Knowing this meant he had a new quest, Asgard was the only one who could actually manage to get some sleep.

The strong Paladin Knight, hand picked by the gods themselves, was not easily scared. After hearing Aphrodite's message he knew what to do, even though his heart was racing in his throat when he did. He also knew that he was unarmed, so he needed to get equipped with at least a sword and a shield. Some spells would also be very useful to have, but that was of lesser concern. The first thing to do tomorrow morning was getting started on finding the sword and shield, he decided, as his eyes closed…

The dwarf Odin could not sleep and was walking circles in his bedroom, muttering on about what they should do. He was overwhelmed with the news, so his thinking was unclear. He looked at his huge hammer and knew that everything would go the way it was supposed to. That feeling lingered around in his brain as he lay down in bed.

Aphrodite already had the shock of her message, but seeing the reaction of the people around her, who started screaming and running out the tavern, shook her up a bit. She meditated a while sitting on the bed, that soothed her mind a bit as she went to sleep.

***

The low sun spread its warmth across the damp land. The fog was very thin and slightly blurred the rays that seemed to radiate from the giant orb lifting from behind the trees.

Odin woke up when the birds started singing in front of his bedroom window, he growled at them with his sleepy head. "Ggrrmmbbll…." After which he let out a big yawn. He felt like he had been up all night. This was going to be a long day indeed.
He got dressed and went over to Asgard's room, only to find out it was already deserted. "Asgard? You in here?" Odin asked. No reply. He went downstairs to find the host, who was cleaning the tables for breakfast.

"Do you happen to know where my companion Asgard is?" Odin asked the host. "I saw him heading towards the forest, near the creek, very early this morning, without his breakfast". "Thanks I'll go and get him, and we'll be back for that breakfast" Odin replied who clearly wanted something to eat.

Heading out of the tavern he noticed Asgard's horse, Pegasus, was missing too. Asgard and Pegasus were on a level of friendship that Odin could not comprehend. It seemed to Odin that Pegasus knew what Asgard was thinking. What Odin didn't know was that he's not far from the truth in this matter.

Odin followed the narrow creek that flowed through the village to the brink of the forest. He followed the creek to well within the forest, coming out from under the thick trees he ended up on a small meadow with short, thin grass. Pegasus neighed; he already heard Odin coming out of the forest. So had Asgard, he stood up from his kneeling position.

"Good morning Asgard! What have you been up to?" Odin asked his friend. "I have asked the gods for advice on which steps to take next." Asgard said as he walked back towards Pegasus. "And? What is our next step?" Odin asked out of curiosity. Asgard mounted his horse and replied: "First let's eat. After which I will tell you and Aphrodite our course of action". Indignant Odin said to him: "You and that mysterious babbling!!"

They walked back toward the tavern, not a word was spoken on the way back.

More to come stay tuned!