Ryzom

THE POST-MORTEM LETTER -- Continued

“You have a half-sister whom, I believe serves as city welcomer in one of the havens of Tryker land…”

The air is thick. I feel a lump in my throat. Swallowing hurts. Mentally, I am back at Darkmoor during my last day in tryker territory. I can hardly find the words to write down my feelngs at the moment. Leaving the lake lands will be so hard. I have become attached to this part of Atys for many reasons. Though I have met others in the past, it is here that I opened my heart to them for the first time. It has been the first of many journeys to come on my quest to knowledge of Atys and her will. I have so many fond memories now of the lakelands:

Liberty Lake, where I explored and met some interesting trykers,
Dew Drops, where I trained with Prime & Leer Izams,
Darkmoor where i meditate frequently,
the Enchanted Isle where I got excellent materials for my jewels and armour, all rush back to me.

There is so much more to explore of these lands with new creatures such as the Crays and Gnoofs. I could spend another year here and never see the time pass though, sadly, I must move on. My quest has just started.

My mind wonders back to the letter and I read on…

“…Another very important link is the Fyros Imperial Guard: Ibillo Xelon. I hope they accept to open their hearts to you and help you find your roots as surely as Atys roots rize everlastingly. If you should so desire to know more, go to them. If not, know that my heart will always be with you and I will accept what you choose to do either way, should you wish to stay in Zorai lands and follow through with their teachings.”

His way of talking about himself as if he could continue to behold my every move, is disconcerting to me. I look up to the sky. The roots extend as far as the eye can see, across the sky and passed the horizon. I wipe my eye with the back of my hand and continue looking up as the daylight slowly picks up volume around me. A curious gruff timari comes close by and grunts oddly, bending its neck all the way down between its legs and squinting at me from upside down. They are funny creatures when you stop and think about it, but I’m not paying much attention right now. I keep looking up.

Those roots… I’ve seen them over lakelands also. They are everywhere. I remember talking with Sigio about us one day filling mektoub pouches at the waterfall, going up there and throwing them down on unsuspecting homins. Followed an argument on how we could even aim and how we could even see if we hit home from so far above.

It is odd that all my memories bring me back to Zora while my heart seems to pull me away from it, odder that those memories are creeping up at a moment like this.

My heart longs for knowledge of my land but my land is now all of Atys. I must prepare for the harsh journey to Pyr. I have already gone to Tryker land to see my half-sister but she was not in a favourable mood. Perhaps if I bring good news from Pyr about our past, she may accept to talk about my mother, if she knows anything.

I strain my neck to look back down at the letter.

“One final thing, Drachle: if you should decide to search for your roots I must warn you of something grave. That your name be that of a dragon nature is not of little consequence since the fyros…” and the page was ripped from then on.

Who had ripped it? Was it on purpose? Shon Wo-Can had asked Sigio to find me and deliver this missive as a priority. I could not imagine Sigio opening it and reading the letter but had he done the unthinkable? I could imagine Shon Wo-Can doing that but why would he? Maybe my father had just decided to make another ending to his letter and ripped this one out but had never gotten around to it. Who knew? If someone knew then he would most probably bring it six feet under, since it did seem deliberate. How dare anyone but father so shamelessly impede on my personal life! I vowed to find out as I had already so many times now between clenched teeth.

I fold the parchment once again and carefully slide it into my chest pocket. It is best kept near my heart. As I get up and start for the Tutors camp, a few timaris turn towards me. I brush them off and start walking resolutely. It seems today might be a good day and who knows… maybe Sigio is the hawker today and I can get some answers…

THE ZORAI TEAM

It is nothing short of a miracle that I made it to the desert sands!

I should have noticed the dark, gloomy horizon but I was mesmerized by the sunny day over my head. I should have caught the contemptuous probing from my team mates but I was set on a blinding quest. I could only gaze at the green moss and tall trees while I wondered about the desert and the great fortification called Pyr which, Atys willing, I would soon get to behold.

*mind wonders back to that trek*

I am excited for the trek ahead and know somehow Atys will not fail me once again, but little do I know about the consequences of such a journey. All I can fathom is reaching my goal and talking to Ibillo. This will not only be a new part of Atys unfolding before me but a learning experience I will never forget.

Pyr is still far and it is no time for dreaming. This is serious business. Going from Zorai lands to the desert is treacherous for an innocent homin such as I. The desert itself hides many a trap for an unworthy homin.

“Stick close to us.” I hear from behind.

I turn around and see I am leading a group of eclectic survivors of the old. I have to be more humble. It is certainly not too bright of me to lead when we are going to a land I know nothing about. I slow my pace and shy away between them. I feel better, surrounded by these warriors and mages who show no fear.

Looking up to my right, I see a tall Zorai female. She is a little taller than me. Her dark blue skin and fierce looking eyes make me shiver. I have never been attracted by the Zorai female. They give me the creeps! I don’t really know why. I’ve been teased as The Freak because of it, but for some reason I have always been attracted by the females of other races. Is it my calling for the wild, the exotic feeling of freedom and roaming Atyswide or my need to disassociate with my peers, I have never known for sure. For now, anyone willing to accompany me on this trek is more than welcomed. Pulled from my thoughts by her grin, I simper and turn my gaze back to the land. I hope she doesn’t think I was actually attracted by her.

We stop and assess our situation. All bend down on their knees and start talking about the predators we are about to meet. A tough section of our journey awaits, I gather by the talk around me, but they do not fear we can sneak our way pass most creatures. I can see they are very agile and used to these creatures’ predatory attitudes. I stretch my neck to look over Zorai heads and there it is: Knots of Dimentia. It is as much a mystery as a childhood longing for me. I have always wondered what lies beyond the Bodocs and long-legged Wombais. I’ve seen a kipucka once but turned back as I was but a young lad waiting to be trained back then and my magic abilities were far from ready for such a challenge.

I see a raging Najab slowly pacing in the distance, waiting for an unsuspecting prey to wonder too close. Its powerful leg muscles bulging as its gigantic paws resound on the ground. I can feel the soil trembling under me as surely as my every heart beat. A flashback of my father and my fingers automatically reach back to fiddle with the claws on my anklets. A thought about Sigio: I remember my pain mixed with the pleasure of triumph when we destroyed the Torbaks that had killed my father. Perhaps some day I will write this episode also, but for now, I am simply wondering if my fate is not linked to that of my father as I feel the Najab ogling me from afar.

While we are all sitting in meditation poise (one must meditate before confronting such danger), I realize the night has surreptitiously fallen upon us. I feel at ease now, though I still wonder what pushed the zorais to help me gain access to the Portal out of their territory. They would not accompany me inside the portal of course but would welcome my return if such would be the will of Ma-Duk. I grinned inside at that thought. Atys willing, it would be some time before my return!

My head is spinning. We are at the Stainmoor Gate. The portal to my future is down that path covered with snow. Though I can not see it yet, I can hear a faint buzzing sound. My Zorai “friends” keep pressing about staying close to Lumpers, Yelks and Mektoubs, warning me of Jugulas, Vorax, Kipestas, Kinchers and telling me Tyranchas are blind (something about an old Fyros saying: “Blind as a Tyrancha&#8221 . I am going crazy! How do they know so much of this Under Spring? If they’ve been there before, why won’t they come with me, instead of giving me a plethora of rules? I can not ask for the third time. What would they think of me? “A proud Zorai knows no fear but fate.” I can hear Chiang Din-Woi, lecturing.

I have mixed emotions about this trek. Sometimes I want to turn back towards Zora and just hide in one of the old temple corridors where Sigio and I used to “spy” on the priests. Sometimes I am full of resolve, determined to use all the sap of Atys to help me through the unknown turmoil ahead. It is disquieting, to say the least, but I know I will eventually come to terms with my destiny and move forward.

As the Zorai, one by one, start getting up and tap me on the shoulder, a lump in my throat, I also get up. I can not look at them directly in the eyes as of yet so my gaze goes down to the snowy hillside. Quickly, I remember Chiang-Din-Woi’s words: “A Zorai, whom sees but the ground at his feet, can not look to the future.” He had so many definitions of a Zorai that I felt at some point it was brain washing, but somehow, at this moment, it all makes some sense. I lift my head proud, hoping nobody has noticed, and search the horizon for some comfort in knowing I have made it this far. I see the Najabs we have left behind and remember the screams they let out as they fell to the ground, shattering the crust under them. Enormous waves of lightning and poisonous spells flew through the air in a beddling of victorious cries. I just stood in awe, as the Zorai team made way through them and paved a path in front of me as easily as they could have cut some bread with a sharp blade. It was incredible and for one moment I was filled with envy at their magic prowess. Atys willing, some day I would learn these spells.

As I see the backs of the Zorai leaving, I remember I have not even asked their names. Filled with so much emotion, I could not even think straight. Now it is too late and I feel woozy at the thought that I may never see them again and have missed a chance to commune with worthy Atysians. Well… zorais are not much for talk. We had time to commune during our meditation period so I guess that will have to suffice.

I turn around and slowly start walking down the path to the abyssal depth of Atys. Hopefully, I will be able to sneak my way through the Under Spring…

Note: Little did I know it would not be so easy.

THE UNDER SPRING

Under Spring. I turn that name around in my head for quite some time while I’m walking down the isle to the portal. I can not decide if it’s synonymous with the pleasures of springtime or if it hides something dreadful similar to the iridescent colors of a Cratcha just before it strikes with all its might.

Am I walking in slow motion? The ground is cold under my feet. I can feel it through the thick soles of my sandals. I wriggle my toes to keep warm between every step while my eyes wonder off to the hill side on either side of me. It is slowly constricting me, enveloping me, telling me I can’t leave anymore. Ahead, as I negotiate a corner, I can decipher the portal to Under Spring. At a snail's pace, it revolves while rumbling ominously. I stop and look intently. Its circular motion is not really welcoming. Though the Zorai have told me there’s nothing to fear from it, I still wonder.

Of course, I’ve been through a portal before but not one leading in the depth of Atys. It’s all surreal right now and since I do not want to draw out my uneasiness, I start walking straight into it. For a moment, I feel dizzy and disoriented. Some force field has been broken and I feel tentacles passing through my body. Then slowly I come to and look around. I am here: Under Spring? I have nothing to compare what should be. I am on total alert, ready for anything. All my senses are sharp. My hands have fallen automatically to my trusty amps.

As my eyes slowly get used to the darkness I start to distinguish luminescent forms. There’s a tunnel to the front since it seems quite darker straight ahead. The walls are a tapestry of glowing veined rock formations. It may be moss covered but I have neither time to investigate nor the desire to touch anything in here. If I could just walk through, without anything even noticing my presence, I’d be happy. At any time, I’m expecting to be snatched away by voracious predators before I can even remember which the zorais have warned me about.

As I move ahead, I notice that the moss covered ground is very soft. Here and there, phosphorescent green and yellow cotyledons are growing out of the soil. Some of them coil out of the ground, blissful to show their greens with a pinch of rose. I’m more and more in awe. I gawp, open-mouthed. There’s no one to impress over here. I’m alone at last with these wonders and feel privileged. I almost forget the dangers I was cautioned about.

I peer into the darkness of the tunnel. My fear creeps back. What lies ahead? What dangers await in the meander of these walls.

As I move forward into the abyssal dark punctured with the occasional phosphorescent orange, mushroom-like, plant life protruding from the walls, the grass is growing longer. A little more light from the front to the left and right and the path seems to split into two. I decide for the right side and soon come to a huge clearing. There I behold a mind-boggling spectacle full of curiosities for an unsuspecting homin such as me; one that will enrich me for a lifetime.

The moss is cushiony under my sandals. I take my sandal off and brush the ground with the sole of my foot, swaying my leg from right to left in front of me. Putting back my sandal after swinging my foot up and around my back, I bend down on one knee to tie its leather laces. My right hand goes down to touch. Of course, I had promised myself not to make any interaction with this environment before, but my heart is stronger than my will. The moss is soft and somehow reassuring.

I think back to all the warnings from the zorai team and my expression turns sour. I hate the prime roots for being so beautiful, yet hiding one of Atysians greatest menace: the kitins den. I look around with mixed emotions. So much beauty and not a danger in sight... I see the giant fern seedlings rising from the ground and looping in the air above me, a mane of shimmering hairs running along its stem. I can see the walls more clearly now and notice they are greyish blue and covered with pink and orange, vein-like streaks. It reminds me of the inside of a mektoub stomach.

“Am I in Atys’ belly?” I wonder.

Footsteps in the distance bring me back to this reality and I search into the darkness. I can barely smell it but a sulphurous gas is floating in the air. Perhaps there are Yelks nearby; I do hope so. They are at least something familiar I can handle. Harmless if you do not bother them.

I take a few more steps forward and come up to a corps; rather, what’s left of it. Sharp curved bones protrude from the ground in linear fashion. At one time, this could have been the thoracic cage of a formidable creature lurking in the dark but by the looks of the carcass, it must’ve been herbivorous. Now the plants were clearly taking their revenge, smothering it into the ground. If the size of this cage is any indication, I have something to worry about around here. Its predators must be very powerful.

I continue with more caution, raking the obscurity, ready for anything.

There is a weird sensation behind my mask. My face is tingling like a million little bugs crawling all over my skin. At some areas it is warm and slightly numbing. I haven’t felt this before. It only happens behind my mask. I strain my neck around, up and down, to see if it changes anything but nothing happens. The sensation has probably started long ago but I haven’t noticed it. All of a sudden, I’m aware of this phenomenon. It doesn’t seem too serious; probably something to do with the air in here. A quick thought for the Kamis. I can not be bothered now, so I brush the thought aside and continue my trek across this enchanting area.

A few more steps in the same direction and I find a variety of minuscule willow-like plants. They radiate with a bluish-white substance that flows into the hairy bush shooting out from between closely knit, green, spotted leaves. It is not the first time I will see this plant in the Prime roots but it is surely a feast for the eyes during this discovery.

Quickly, I turn my head in the general direction I heard desperate cries resonating. A huge four legged creature towers over a relatively small yelk who is evidently fighting for its life. As a last resort and no doubt to discourage any future assault on its peers, the yelk falls heavily to the ground while sending its poisonous gas in the air. The place is filled with noises that come across to me in crescendo. Squinting my eyes and forcing myself to look ahead as far as I can, I seem to decode tens, if not hundreds of creatures each more terrifying than the other. The names of Jugulas and Vorax come to mind, as I try to remember which is which by the scant definitions I received from the zorai team before I ventured through the portal. One thing is certain: this is surely not a good area to try and cross for such an inexperienced mage as I. I must turn back and find another route if such exists.

In my haste, the walk back to the entrance is much quicker than getting here. At the entrance, I rapidly turn to the left this time and start walking towards more familiar and docile creatures. There are Mektoubs, Yelks and funny looking spineless Timaris with no neck. I think that is what they called a Lumper. On closer look they seem to have very numerous small spines on their backs, unlike the huge one meter high dorsal Timari spines. All the creatures seem very curious as I walk among them. Some turn towards me and look inelegantly upside down between their legs. Others come closer and toss me interrogative grunts. I amble between them all, in a slow and steady pace. I can hear weird shrieks in the distance so I’m not in a hurry to get to unfamiliar grounds and participate in that symphony.

Embracing the slanted wall to the left, I encounter many more Lumpers. They seem to be getting used to my presence, no longer so curious. I gather it means they have other things on their minds since the screeching noises are getting louder as I walk pass them and around another indentation in the wall. Suddenly, I’m face to face with a huge larvae’s wide open mouth, ready to clamp down and devour me head first.

THE SILENCER

It closes its mouth, blinks and sways its head from side to side, then swings its whole body around to collapse onto the ground in a thump. Bringing one leg over the other in front of its face, it slumbers down to a snore. Incredible! I am easy lunch and all it does is sleep. I search the drawers of my memory.

“Blind as a Tyrancha,” I remember.

So that’s what this is. I carefully walk around it, hugging the wall while I fix my eyes on the surrounding dangers. There are many more Tyranchas but they are all further away. If I hurry, I may get pass these easily. A few meters away I see a camp. I’m surprised by its presence in the middle of nowhere. Why settle in such a terribly perilous area? I don’t know their names but they don’t look very welcoming. I better be prudent and circle around their camp. Longing the wall even closer I slowly make it to the other side of another indentation in the wall to come face to face with a zorai mask.

“Hello Homin”, I say light-heartedly, trying not to sound startled. “I’m Dra Chle-i.”

I can’t hear what he grunts so I utter: “What’s the news lately in these parts?”

A little blunt, but zorais are known for not much babbling on. While he is assessing me I return the favour. He is tall and his mask, devoid of frivolous adornment, tells me he is a determined fellow, a somewhat rebel zorai living on the outskirts of reality in a secluded territory with little visit. I think I may be able to sway him into helping me. It is worth a try; at this point, I have nothing to lose and much to gain. Maybe it is chance that let us meet; maybe it is Atys’ will. Nevertheless opportunity knocks in a land I know nothing about so every bit of help is much appreciated.

He retorts: “The usual…” and then with a slight, timely pause and wide sarcastic grin, “silencing.”

Swinging my hand in a circular motion and towards the many Tyranchas further up: “I see you have much work on your hands,” hoping to turn his attention to the real threat and away from me.

His guard seems to go down a little. Raising his head higher and straightening his shoulders, he blurts out: “Oh… those are the least threatening creatures around these parts. I gather you are new around here?”

Not wanting to blow my cover so soon, “I’ve seen some of the creatures before but I’ll admit some are very new to me.”

He swings his gun up and I go stiff.

“I’ll have to show you a safe route then,” and off he goes, turning on his heals and in the north direction, if I’m not too disoriented by now. As I see the glimmering brass-colored back of his armour running away, I have to step up to his side very quickly so as not to seem perfectly content to hide behind.

“Why is he being so helpful?” I wonder. Is it maybe the lack of excitement or visit? Maybe he’s just toying with me and bringing me into an ambush? That thought dissipates when I notice we are actually leaving the general camp area. If it was a trap, he would have chosen to simply bring me to camp where all his acolytes are. Maybe he is genuinely trying to help. I guess it can get lonely out here at times even though you’re surrounded with friends.

“I’ll get you to the next camp site but after that, you’re on your own,” he blurts out with a touch of indifference. Unquestionably, he is hard to decipher.

“Alright!” I say with understanding.

“One can question a free gift but not a benevolent one.” I can’t remember who said that, but the words resound in my mind. I’ve had so many teachers… but I am determined to let Atys be my greatest teacher of all.

“Hug the wall and you’ll be fine.”

On these words, the Silencer turns on his heals and starts back for his camp. He isn’t very talkative, but I guess if it gets things done. I gather they don’t really have time nor interest for long term relations in here. With all the deceptions, they would only mean tougher goodbyes. I think I notice a rictus on his face.

“Thanks” I almost whisper to myself.

No time to waste; I must get out from between these oppressing grey walls and breath fresh air soon. Looking at the Silencers back once again running away from me, I think: “I should be happy he got me through the Kinchers and Tyranchas ok.”

“Hug the wall, he says…” Just one glance at the Vorax ahead and: “I bet I could have figured that out myself” I’m thinking aloud.

They are doing over time. One Vorax is slashing away at a Lumper while another is gnawing at a fresh kill.

Oh, great! To top it off there are Lacerating Kinchers among them! I think I’ll not only hug but make love to that wall if I can. Alright, let’s get this dinner going; I’m already simmering.

I long the wall as close and as quietly as I can. The torches from the next camp are lighting my way. I’m hoping noone catches my movements in the dark. I wish the wind would extinguish them. The flames are dancing atop long brown poles rammed into strong cement bases. Spooky characters are walking here and there among the camp tents and around the camp, pacing and guarding what little treasures they could forage or pillage from such hostile territory. They do not seem friendly and since the Vorax are quite stronger than the Tyranchas near the Silencers, these guys must also be stronger. I figure I am not going to take any chances on their being as kind. I do not think I would make it alive out of here if they decided I was good bait material for their next hunt.

Slithering in the shadows around their camp, I finally make it to safer territory. I hear cries behind me but I am still not too familiar with their origins. It does sound like some poor Lumper has fallen prey to a Kincher or Vorax. I’m just glad it’s not me for the moment.

I stop to assess my situation once more. So far, I’ve managed to avoid all dangers, but it feels like my luck is about to let go. Ahead, there are still Jugulas as well as more Vorax, Kinchers and Kipuckas, if I remember well. I better not be over confident. I’m hoping I’m more than half way through, but of course, I will find out later I have barely covered a third of the way to the exit.

For now, I need to make sure I don’t nourrish my fears so I can concentrate on what’s at hand. There are more Tyranchas about fifty meters away and a few Kinchers. Beyond them, I see a huge forest of Jublas. If I remember correctly what the Zorais said, those are one of a few safe zones in here.
I start inching towards them, still hugging the wall. My hands catch a few moist pieces of algae and mushrooms that cling to the wall but I rip them out as if I didn’t want to let anything come between me and the comfort of the wall. I know it is false security, but any kind of reassurance in here feels like a sanctuary.

Suddenly I see the light of a Karavan Teleporting mechanism. It is faint and must be at least one hundred and fifty meters away, but if I can make it there, then nothing will be able to stop me next time. My hope is back and my resolve is stronger than ever to reach that Karavan Teleport.

Lost in my thoughts, I haven’t noticed that I kept walking towards a protruding embankment again so I swing myself around it and come face to face with a Kipucka…

Evidently, this is getting to be a habit I care not for!