The Final Trial: Becoming A Deacon

[Eddywilson2 2117]

Acolyte Tarcell Othaman ate his last warm meal for a few days in Karovia where he had been saying. He said farewell to his friends there including Prince Alek Carrion, Adeon and Christopher before taking his staff with him. His family broadsword, Lightbringer, was strapped to his back over thin set of robes. This was going to be a difficult pilgrimage.

He set off from Karovia, traveling along the road across the beautiful landscape. It was rather uneventful until he came to the main road where people traveled in packs across the realm. He walked in silence admiring the peace and happiness that went on around him. Elves and humans gathered inside taverns to drink, eat and talk to one another. The Creator was strong here.

And so Tarcell continued walking for a time. The air grew colder as a foul presence was felt. The Dwarven mountains loomed to his left where Iblees's minions did unspeakable things. It was an example of the evil that must be stopped else it will spread across the land like a plague. He journeyed past the Orc lands, and though an Orc eyed him curiously, he valued his life and kept to himself.

Afterwards came the North where he had originally stayed in Thales. The familiar mountain air greeted him, yet an evil lurked in it. As Tarcell traveled to Aesterwald, he could make out an undead fortress nearby. Perhaps Aesterwald was the next target, and if it fell, Humanity would lose it's most stern soldiers. Arriving at Vanderfell, Bishop Rags greeted him. They spoke little since Tarcell had already received instructions on what to do, and so he set onward again towards the North.

The snow started to fall around Tarcell as he climbed the Northern mountains. He could feel the chilling cold trying to penetrate his loose robes, and knew if he stopped, he would die. His mind went elsewhere as step after step took him closer to his destination. However, something moved in his peripheral vision causing him to return back to reality. A wolf, white as the snow around him, stood in Tarcell's way with his teeth barred.

Standing completely still, Tarcell planted his staff in the snow and looked at the wolf. It's beady, black eyes looked at Tarcell with hunger and longing. Drawing it's teeth back, the wolf began to growl at him as it tensed up. Closing his eyes, Tarcell began to pray to the Creator. He knew his journey was not meant to end here, and when his eyes opened, the snow had stopped.

The once windy snow storm had come to a complete halt. Not a gust of wind blew as the two stared at each other locked in a dance of who would submit first. For what seemed like an eternity, Tarcell stared at the white wolf until just as quickly as it came, it left. Tarcell fell to a knew and thanked the Creator for his life before continuing over the summit of the mountain.

On the other side rest a cottage seemingly random in the barren wasteland. Smoke rose from the chimney as Tarcell descended towards it. Knocking on the door with his staff, Tarcell was greeted by a hunched over monk who must have been in his mid-50s. "Brother, I have come seeking wisdom" said Tarcell as he was led inside without another word being said. He was shown to a small room with only the sound of the wind outside being heard. Laying down for a bit, Tarcell waited for what was next.

He must had fallen asleep because he was awoken by a voice calling "Supper time". Getting up was a pain made up of cramped muscles, but he prayed for strength and made his way downstairs. The monk sat across from him on a table already covered with simple foods. Motioning to an open chair across from him, the monk began to speak saying "I am Brother Houghes. Welcome to my home. I assume Bishop Rags sent you?" Tarcell nodded but was more focused on the food. He dared not touch it without the host beginning to eat as well. "Very well then" the monk continued "I will explain my story."

And so the monk told Tarcell the story of his life. He had started as a young boy in a family, but being the third son and unlikely to inherit, he had joined the clergy as a monk. What made his story remarkable was when the monk had gone through a difficult part in his life and had tried to kill himself. "And so I threw myself from the tower" the monk said "And the Creator's hands lowered me slowly until I stood on the ground below." Tarcell soon lost his hunger as he heard the stories of the monk's holy life and works after that. His principles and teachings were that from experience and true works of the Creator.

Finally, they ate and went to bed. Tarcell stayed for a few more days praying and working around the house until the monk approached him again. "Your time is finished with me. Go now, do the Creator's Will." With that, Tarcell took his staff and began the journey home. He had completed his final trial.

[ToenailTickler 290]

Bishop rags smiles in his church knowing that Monk Houghes could never threaten Rags's power "MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" sadly benny walked in and slapped the back of Rags's head "Thinking about Houghes again?"

"Ja... Tarcell iz probably vith him. Hopefully he does not bring him back." Rags goes back to reading many reports on new orders that look a bit heretical, but most are fine so he puts them in the 'TIS FINE' folder.

[Dohvi 622]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.