Special - Sanctum (Part 1)

Anneleigh crossed Silverwood and made her way to Sanctum’s Watch.  Now that the time had finally come for her to set foot into the famous city, she was feeling a little more nervous than she expected.  From across the bridge she could see the low lights of the surrounding village contrasted against the evening sky.   From the center of the village rose the towering basilica, its graceful arches and high windows only adding to its grandeur.  In short, Anneleigh was in awe of the whole thing.

Maris Telluria came to stand beside Anneleigh and put her arm around the trembling girl.

“Sanctum is a wonder, nothing to be frightened of.” Maris assured her. 

“This is a place built around the mutual love between the Guardian’s and the Vigil.  I’m worried I won’t live up to my reputation.”  Anneleigh said, surprising even herself.

Maris giggled softly.  “That is nothing to worry about.”

“Even so,” Anneleigh said, “in all my travels, even including my ascension, I don’t believe I have ever seen anything so beautiful.”

Maris stood with Anneleigh until her breathing slowed.

“Take it slow.” Maris advised. “It is perfectly ok to wonder and admire.  This is your home; you are welcome to act as you wish.  If that means becoming a tourist for a day, be welcome to it.”

Anneleigh nodded and stepped forward, onto the bridge.  As she approached, the village came into clearer focus.  She could now see the faces, the smiles, of people.  Many continued on their way, but one standing near the bridge continued to watch her, calling out to her when she was within earshot.

“The journey from Divine Landing can be dangerous and full of peril, especially when one is becoming accustomed to life once again.”

Anneleigh smiled and relaxed.  “You can see I am ascended?” She asked. 

“It is not as uncommon as you might believe.” The woman said.  “Many were ascended at the battle.  They have lived their lives here in Telara, preparing for the planar invasions and planning for the future.”

Anneleigh nodded.  She understood that Shyla is one of such ascended; one who was brought back to life by the power of the Vigil continued to live their lives after the shade.

“Take the time to explore this holy city.” The young woman continued.  “I am Lila Medows, the Abbess of Tavril, the Land.  As an elf, you are knowledgeable already of Tavril.  I ask that you talk to the other Abbots and learn about the other members of the vigil, and about the history of this holy city.”

“I am very interested in catching up on all I have missed out on.” Anneleigh said.

Lila smiled.  “I do not doubt it.  Let me begin your journey.”   Lila put her arm around Anneleigh’s shoulder s and directed their attention inward towards the basilica.  “When the first Ascended dwarf, Borrin Gammult, was on a pilgrimage north he witnessed the miracle of this island rising out of the sea.  He declared that he would build a Basilica to honor the gods atop it.  This is that basilica.  Surrounding the basilica is the village.   We are standing in Tavril Plaza, the entrance to Sanctum.  Tavril is the land, and so we celebrate the joy, beauty, and bounty that the land provides us.  The elemental invasions have scarred the land of Telara, changing the nature of it and making it more hospitable to the alien demons than to the natural creatures that depend on it.  But Tavril is a resilient goddess, and with the help of Guardians like you, she can survive and prosper in this time of trouble.”

Anneleigh smiled to hear the words.  “Nothing truer has ever been said about Tavril.”  Anneleigh surprised herself and hugged the woman, overcome with emotion. 

“Go now, Ascended.  Learn about your new home and the beauty and history of this sacred place.”

Anneleigh nodded and walked to the left of the square, following the path as it descended to a lower level.  This area seemed to be functioning as a manufacturing yard.  People rushed from one space to the next, juggling lumber, linen and jewels.  She approached a robed dwarf at the center of the confusion.

“Welcome to Bahralt Street.” The dwarf called above the clatter.  Anneleigh was unsure if he addressed everyone this way, or if he could tell she was a newcomer.  “Here you will find the finest craftsmen in the world who honor the god of cities by improving their skills.”

“The god of cities?” Anneleigh asked.  “I did not realize the Vigil included a god of cities.”

The dwarf looked at her.  Anneleigh sensed pity mixed with sadness.

“Bahralt is the city.  He wishes us to labor and learn, to become skilled at a craft and to teach our knowledge to our neighbours.  The more trades you learn, the more pleased he is by your efforts. “

Anneleigh smiled.  “I understand now.  I knew Bahralt to be the patron god of the dwarves, but I did not know he stood for trade and knowledge.”

“Bahralt was the patron of the dwarves, yes.  As Tavril was to you, Bahralt was to us.  Even so, in ages gone by he was worshiped by Mathosians, Eth, and even those elves who left their cabals to live in the city paid homage to him.  Now, as part of the Vigil he asks us all to work hard and improve ourselves.  Learn a skill, make something with your hands, and then share it with the rest of the Guardians.”

“I will strive to know him better.”  Anneleigh said, honestly feeling disappointed in her knowledge of the Gods of the Vigil.

“You are young, and have been gone many years.  In that time, other Ascended have come to know each of the Vigil.  You will come to know them, in your own time.”

Anneleigh pulled her attention away from the dwarf and looked around at the square.   She wanted to obscure her discomfort for the moment.  The dwarf seemed to understand.

“You are also learning about Sanctum.  You have, no doubt, spoken to Lila.  Let me continue the story.  When Borrin Gammult discovered this island rising out of the sea, he had a vision of a mighty temple to the Vigil built on top of it.  He went to the city of Port Scion and recruited the finest craftsmen from the dwarves, the elves and the Mathosians and brought them back to this new island to build the Sanctum of the Vigil.  They labored for a year and a day to create this most holy of temples.”

Anneleigh focused her gaze to the towering basilica.  From this lower level, it towered higher still.  “One year and one day.” She thought to herself. 

“It was during the construction of the Basilica,” the dwarf continued, “that tragedy befell Port Scion.  The heretical machines of the Defiants, that burn the holy sourcestone, opened a rift to the plane of death.  Many who escaped journeyed here seeking sanctuary from the elemental invaders.  They named the city Sanctum after the temple to the Vigil and it has become a shining beacon of peace and strength to the elves, dwarves, and Mathosians who seek to redeem the world from the corruption of the dragons. “

“Such tragedy, but thankfully the Guardians had a place to go.” Anneleigh said.

The dwarf nodded and smiled.  “You seem ready to learn all you can.  Visit with Olaf Bladstrom across the square.  He will continue your education.”

This was far longer than I anticipated.  Part 2, and Part 3, will follow later this week.