Icarus' Second Letter

*Dearest Eryn,*

*I have on this expedition learned a lesson they do not teach nor have they prepared us for in Myth Nantar - humility.*

*I have also broken one of our traditions and named an outsider as Kingsguard- though I hope you will forgive me this transgression, as for without his heroism I would not be writing you this letter today.*

*I led the expedition in search of the Dwarvish temple of Lull, as there were rumours that the site was guarded by powerful automatons that a curious gnome named “Fizzbang Wizzpopper” (they have the most hilarious names up here!) believed could be repurposed into acting as guardians for Hope, and the Kingdom. Unfortunately the Gnome did not mention that he had no indication of where the temple actually was. If he had mentioned this in the notice, I may have put my focus elsewhere - but it was too late, a King should not appear indecisive after all.*

 *We then came across some other adventurer’s from Hope, whilst they were initially quite rude, they soon offered a contract that would be a substantial boost to the royal treasury- 1000 gold for the location of the ‘hidden library’ that was in the Dwarven Lull, which we were searching for anyway. Handing us all contracts, I could not see a problem with the deal- we would still fulfill our commitment to Fizzbang and the city of Hope for our 250 gold reward, and would be able to fulfill this request simultaneously! The catch, as it were, was that they would demand the contract be signed in blood. A curious request, I wondered if this was the norm on the surface. My companions  certainly objected to such, leading me to believe that this was indeed a strange request- something I would not agree to regardless, a stranger such as this should never be allowed access to my royal blood. Besides, my word is my bond, even a signed contract is unnecessary.*

 *Upon our travels, while we were resting for the night, I was awoken by voices demanding tribute for trespassing upon ‘their’ lands. Immediately I awoke, preparing myself for combat. Stepping outside my tent, there were quite a number of disfigured creatures and a drake, one such creature seemed to be a human with the tentacle of an octopus for an arm! I kept my surprise in check, however, correcting them that they must be mistaken for thinking this was their land. They clearly did not appreciate this, though they ‘kindly’ offered that they would not demand tribute this time, but we were to ensure that we have a ‘writ of exploration’ next time we were to pass through the lands. The nerve of these people! I tried to swallow my pride for the sake of my companions, such as the cowardly **Skrit**, a Kobold (perhaps one of those from the tribe last expedition that had seen the benefit of joining the Kingdom?), who was practically begging that we would agree with this ‘cult’. However **Varis** had prepared for combat, and when the cult demanded that he be put to heel - I could not contain myself, and we were joined in combat.*

*I am embarrassed to write what happened next, but will do so only because I wish to keep nothing from you- and to solemnly vow that I will have my vengeance upon this ‘Cult’, clearly a blight on these lands that needs be squashed.*

*I leapt forward into the fray, so to take the attention away from my companions and keep them from harm. While we have trained for such situations, I was surrounded by five foes- a position we both know is unwinnable without imminent and immediate reinforcements. Though I weathered many blows, I could tell that the rest of my companions were ready to agree to terms of surrender, with **Skrit** throwing himself to the ground, **Jizo** attempting to offer the vagrants a gift, and **Alec** seemingly powering down. Rather than risk death for myself and my companions, I decided to plant my trident in the ground (rather than thrown to the floor in subservience), and agreed to an ‘alliance’ between the Kingdom’s, sealing the deal with a meagre three silver- something they agreed to hastily likely as a result of the hateful glare I subjected them to. They made mention that if we wished to contact them, we need only place a notice on the board in Hope, looking for a pet lizard. Useful information, should I wish to confront them again.*

*Our guide, **Varis**, had foolishly led us astray, somehow I ended up back in the fisherman’s village I was in last expedition! There were a number of large birds in the area, though none a Coot, let alone an ‘Old Coot’, so we proceeded onwards. What a waste of time.*

 *We trekked onwards after another night of rest. We came across a number of farmers that were in a precarious situation- a large construct attacking them. From the reaction of Fizzbang, it seems this construct was the type we were searching for as protector’s of Hope. While formidable, unless their behavior can be changed considerably, I fear it is a lost hope.*

*I attempted to save the farmers but conjuring up a foggy mist- it seems the construct does not see with it’s eyes, however, and tragically struck down two innocent citizens. I charged into the fray, seeing this, but was caught with a telling blow across the temple, knocking me senseless. I awoke a short time later to see that my companions had disabled the machine, though one of our numbers had fallen.*

*It pains me to write that one of the companions under my protection, instead died protecting me, sacrificing himself so that I may live to achieve the things I- no, we, are fated to do in these lands. It is for this reason that I named **Diarmuid**, the Vanara I mentioned in my previous letter, the first Kingsguard of Elpida. I will endeavor to tell the people of Hope his deeds and make sure he is remembered. All my future achievements here, will be as a result of his sacrifice. Please tell Keros I am sorry- I know he was looking forward to this position, but I hope he can understand.*

*I must be more careful. The thought of death before our marriage is unbearable.*

*Again continuing onwards after a night of rest, we decided to follow the automaton’s tracks toward the mountain, leading us to a goat trail- which we also followed, before being met with a peculiar sight. An ivory tower, with a cave in the mountainside beside it- where a creature by the name of **Craig** was standing guard. While he seemed somewhat oblivious to what was inside the cave other than being terrified of going inside, we nevertheless decided to allow him to travel with us. Inside, we found what was described as an ‘elevator’ by the others (some kind of controllable whirlpool that goes up \*and\* down.), which I quickly deciphered how to use. After minor repairs, we travelled upwards, coming across a barn-like structure- as we were all quite exhausted, choosing to rest and recoup before continuing onwards, which is where I find myself writing this letter to you, by the campfire (it is so strange, seeing an open flame!).*

 *My sole focus is making this place safe for you and the others, as I would never be able to forgive myself if something were to happen to you. Though I fear that is going to prove more difficult than expected. This ‘Cult of the Dragon’ needs be eradicated, which will be my next step after finding these automatons of Lull and providing them to Hope as protection.*

 *While I would normally write to you at the completion of my expedition, the previous few days events have me in a somber mood, worried I may never see your face again.*

*Perhaps I will give this letter to one of my companions, to deliver to you should I not survive.*

*I can only hope you find yourself in much safer surroundings, and are able to send me a reply, should the High Priest allow it.*

*Yours,*

*Icarus*