The Gorgostone

by jediknigh5

6000 years ago, two armies fought for control of an area. One side tried to enlist Gorgos to help them destroy their enemies. But Gorgos could not be controlled, he ravaged the land. The two armies had to join forces to defeat him. They were able to contain Gorgos in a stone, and spit the stone into five pieces. What happened to those stones, therein lies our tale.

23. Chapter 23

Chapter 23

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After Margaret killed Bridget in their duel, Asterius became more worried for his own safety. He had seen other kings descend into paranoia, but not like this. Never before had he seen the high king execute his own daughter, it had not happened within either of their life times. Asterius wondered, was he any better than high king Liam right now? He too had started off with noble intentions, tried to navigate the politics of Darokin, only to become corrupted. Whatever noble intentions Asterius once had they had been replaced with paranoia and endless scheming against one's "enemies." Asterius decided to visit his old friend Gallo. When these two were young men they had taken their vows to the Church of Darokin together. But while Asterius became more political, Gallo dedicated his life to helping the poor, and to his vow of poverty. Right now, Asterius felt he needed advice from his oldest friend. He found Gallo working in the garden of his monestary. Gallo was happy to take a break from gardening and talk with Asterius.

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Asterius: It is good to see you my friend.

Gallo: It is good to see you too. Would you like some Loupont berries?

Asterius: Yes, but I thought you weren't supposed to eat them yourselves.

Gallo: We make wine with these berries, and all the proceeds go to the poor of Vyonnes. I never drink the wine myself, and I rarely eat the berries. Only on special occasions, like my oldest friend coming to visit.

Asterius: Than I would be honored to share Loupont berries with you.

Gallo: So, what brings you all the way to Vyonnes?

Asterius: I could use advice from my friend.

Gallo: Politics are your department. But I would be happy to give you spiritual advice.

Asterius: I could use some of that. You remember, all those years ago, we thought we could change the world.

Gallo: We were arrogant once. But it soon became clear that to be involved in politics, we couldn't change the game, the game would change us.

Asterius: You were right. You have heard of king Liam, forcing his own wife and daughter to fight to the death?

Gallo: I did. Did you witness this?

Asterius: Yes, and I said nothing to discourage this. I have tried to persuade the high king to certain acts, but I always fear he could suspect me, and my head would be on the chopping block.

Gallo: Have you ever manipulated the high king to kill his alleged enemies?

Asterius: Yes, people who might have been plotting against him. I honestly am not sure how many might have been innocent. But you know I've always been a bit of a racist towards the Orks and the Trogolodites, Liam is better at dealing with them than myself. I try not to mention my views on that subject, for fear of alienating his Goff allies.

Gallo: So in at least one sense, he has made you a better person?

Asterius: So it would seem. But I fear being on the receiving end of his violent paranoia. And I am well aware that I helped make him who he is.

Gallo: Why not resign, and join me here in this monestary?

Asterius: Because I still believe it is in Darokin's best interest to get the Gorgostone. Or at least to prevent Faerun from having more of it than us.

Gallo: And are there not leaders and clerics in faerun who feel it would be in their best interest to have the Gorgostone.

Asterius: I am certain there are.

Gallo: Perhaps that is the problem. Each side cares only about their own people. So instead of trying to live together peacefully, both sides just try to gain more power, until war becomes inevitable. For some, there is never enough power to be gained. They will not be satisfied until they gather the entire Gorgostone, and most likely Gorgos would again be freed. We could argue until the end of time who first summoned Gorgos, us, the Orks, Trogolodites, or we can try and figure out how to work together now. If you truley want absolution for your sins, I suggest you work towards peace between Darokin, Faerun, and Mystera.

Asterius: And if I should fail? If my efforts should cost me my life?

Gallo: Absolution is never easy. You will have to decide for yourself what is more important. Your life, or your soul.