2.08 - Vision Quest

“Sanctum Watch?”  Anneleigh asks, for this outpost is as new to her as Sanctum itself.

Brougan quickly draws up a simple map.  “We know there are watches of Aelfwar here, here and here, so be sure to stick to the path wherever possible. “  Brougan says as he points out areas on the map to avoid.  “It’s important you reach Maris as soon as possible.”

“I understand.” Anneleigh says as she rolls up the map. 

Anneleigh set off east, towards the coast of Silverwood.  She had a vague idea of where she was heading.  The area had been one of cliffs and plateaus when she last had the need to travel there; a rocky coast carved out by ocean currents.  As she topped the crest of the final hill she was started at the development.  There before her stood a towering basilica on a small island off the coast.  A small bridge extended the path from the main land into the village surrounding the structure.  On this side of the divide was the small outpost of Sanctum Watch.

Anneleigh entered the small encampment.  “I am looking for Maris Telluria.” She asked, in a strong, clear voice.

“I am Maris.” A voice sounded from the edge of the camp.  “What can I do for you?”

“Brougan has sent me for your assistance.  He sent me into the Mirror of Ages and the Spirit Guide delivered me this. ” Anneleigh says as she removes the seedling from her quiver.

Maris examined the seedling for a few moments.  “I sense its power, but I am unsure of what it reviles.”  She sighs.  “We must be missing an element, a connecting factor.”

“The spirit guide said this was a gift from Twyl to Prince Hylas.”

“Twyl?  Are you sure?”  Maris exclaims in shock.  “I know that name, but it is not associated with House Aelfwar.  Here must be the connection we have missed.”

Anneleigh nods.  “What do you suggest I do next?”

Maris Telluria pauses for a moment to consider.  “If you are willing, I would have you perform a vision quest.  You, being so blessed by the gods and so in tune with the spirits of the forest, would surely benefit and gain insight from the experience.”

“If you suggest it.”  Anneleigh nods again.

“Yes.” Maris says.  “We must learn to see what the forest sees.  We can be certain House Aelfwar’s plans do not stop at the capture of the Mirror of Ages.  There must be something more.”

“How do I begin?” Anneleigh asks.

“Calm your mind and listen to my voice.  I must prepare you for what you will see.”  Maris is silent for a moment.  “For centuries, Prince Hylas Aelfwar led the fight against the Wanton.  Now, his life has become the conflict.  He claims to protect this forest, yet will instead destroy it.  Go now to the alter at point Solitude and search the forests for the outcome of this folly.

Entranced, Anneleigh walks the short distance to the prayer stone at the highest point on the ridge.  She kneels before it, eyes blind to the sights around her.  Off the cost, high above the crashing waves stood Sanctum, the towering basilica and surrounding village clearer than ever before.  If Maris had not taken the time to lull her into a meditative state before her departure, Anneleigh would have found herself distracted by the temptation of the unknown.  Instead, eyes closed to her surroundings, Anneleigh asked the spirit guide to assist her in her quest.  To show her what she needs to know to end Prince Hylas’s reign.

Her eyes remained closed until she heard the voice.

“I have much to show you Anneleigh, but you must be pure of heart and powerful of spirit to withstand the trauma of prophesy. “

Slowly, Anneleigh opened her eyes and stood to face the guide.  A small deer had materialized the spirit guide in form.  The air around between them, around them, appeared foggy, almost as if it were a mist of a dream. 

“It is time to see what is and what may be.  I will guide you along the path, but you must have faith, and your footsteps must be sure.”

Behind her she heard the voice of one she knew.   She quickly turned to watch the visions unfold.

There, on the lawn, as delicate as smoke tendrils were the figures of two elves.

“You must not do this, Hylas.”  Shyla pleaded. “All of Telara will hunt you down.”

“It is too late to go back.  You and the Guardians have forsaken the forest.  Nature is life itself.  I have made my choice.”

“It is never too late!  Rejoin the high elf council in Sanctum.  Welcome the Vigil into your heart and join hands with the Guardians.”

“The gods never lifted a finger for me!” He shouted at her.  “I will defeat my enemies with the power of Greenscale, Dragon of the Wilds, not your false gods.”

 As Hylas turned from Shyla to leave two towering treants developed from the air, effectively baring her protests.  She took up her staff against them, but although she was powerful, and ascended, the fight was unfair and she was losing ground.  Anneleigh could not bear to stand by any long.  She took her dagger from her belt and took down the first of the treants from behind.  Together, Shyla and Anneleigh banished the second before it could do further harm.

“The Vigil has answered my prayers!  Thank You!” Shyla exclaimed.  And although she was only witnessing the vision quest, it was clear that part of her spiritual self was physically present in the eyes of Shyla. 

As Anneleigh stood forward to speak to the priestess, the vision ended, and Silverwood returned to focus.   Anneleigh could now take in the full beauty of the sights before her.  She took only a moment to herself to admire the view before returning to Maris.

“Did the Spirit Guide show you the truth?”

Anneleigh nodded.  “Yes, I believe so.”  She said, and then recounted the tale.

“This is bad news indeed, to imagine Hylas using the forest in this way.  In your vision, Hylas summoned creatures from the Plane of Life to unleash upon Shyla Starhearth, his old friend and most beloved priestess. “

“He mentioned specifically using the power of Greenscale.”  Anneleigh added. 

“Then we are all in for a much greater battle than we had originally anticipated.”  Maris says with a sigh.