Travels Through Telara

The Story So
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2 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week3">Part
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5 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week6">Part
6 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week7">Part
7 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week8">Part
8 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week9">Part
9 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week10">Part
10 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week11">Part
11 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week12">Part
12 | href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/rift/features/travels/week13">Part
13

By Padraic

Greetings to you, dear reader. Today you find both myself and Bran in
jubilant moods. After weeks of travel, weeks of sleeping rough on damp
ground, hiding from the plan-etouched, forced to endure each other's
company, we are finally arriving at the capital city of Sanctum! It has
been a long journey through the forests of Silverwood. A long journey,
but a rewarding one. We have met many interesting people on our treks,
some of whom will indeed make it into the pages of this very journal.

Today, though, I will be discussing the city of Sanctum itself. You
see, it is not simply a city, a place where the Guardians decided to
set up camp. It is a symbol, a gift from the gods themselves. After the
Guardian heroes finally defeated Regulos at the Battle of the Shade,
the alliance made their way back to the city of Port Scion. Here they
planned to take stock, to plan the coming war against the creatures
spilling through the Rifts that were no opening up everywhere.

But while traveling through Silverwood, the dwarf King Borrin Gammult
became more and more troubled. When Prince Zareph asked what was wrong,
he responded that he was having visions, that every time he closed his
eyes he saw a majestic city sitting atop a lone island. This city was
built around a magnificent basilica, and the people of Telara came to
lend their support to the battle against the Blood Storm.

These visions grew more and more intense until the poor dwarf couldnt
close his eyes but for the images playing out in his head. Then one
day, as their company moved toward the borders of Silverwood there was
a mighty shaking of the earth. The Guardians did not know what was
happening. Some thought it an earthquake. Other thought that the Shade
had come back to attack them once again.

Neither was true. There was a massive roar from the ocean to their
right. The guardians ran to the shore just in time to witness a massive
island surge up out of the sea, water-falls streaming from the rocks
and crags as the island rose up into the daylight.

Borrin stood stunned. Because there before him was the very island he
had been seeing in his visions. Minus the basilica and the city itself,
of course.

So while Cyril and the others moved on to Port Scion, Borrin and his
followers stayed behind to construct the city that had been revealed to
him, the future home of the Ascended and their followers.

border="1">

href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/95871"> style="border: 0px solid ; width: 550px; height: 337px;"
alt="Rift Sanctum"
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/206915">

style="font-style: italic;">Sanctum from afar

The first thing that comes into view as Bran and I approach is the
mighty basilica. As we crest the rise we see the mighty dome edge up
over the horizon. More and more of its magnificence is revealed as we
draw closer, until finally we stand on the bridge leading to the mighty
Sanctum.

I wonder if there are any parties, muses Bran.

I frown at him. You stand before a modern marvel, boy. A city revealed
by the gods to a master architect, built to house the heroes who would
fight for our freedom.

I know. And after all that work they probably needed to
party. I know I would.

Bran, sometimes, you astound me. Really.

Bran smiled. Thanks!

I opened my mouth to explain it wasnt meant as a compliment, but
decided against it. I wasnt going to let him ruin the moment for me.
Instead, I crossed the mighty bridge connecting the mainland to the
island and stopped in the plaza before the mighty basilica that was
known as the Sanctum of the Vigil. The plaza itself is called Tavrils
Square, named after Tavril of the Vigil. Adventurers and citizens
milled around the vast plaza, some newly arrived, some returning with
news of their quests. Gleaming statues dominated the court, stunning
interpretations of historic moments.

I cross the square and enter the cool interior of the Sanctum itself.
As soon as I step inside it is as if a refreshing balm has been applied
to my entire body. I feel refreshed, cleansed, invigorated. My steps
lighten as I walk around the hall and enter the inner Sanctum. It is
full of Ascended, some teaching, some receiving visitors. All busy with
their own small part in the war. Dominating the inner Sanctum is what
is called the Covenant of the Guardians. This is a massive ward of
graven sourcestone that will protect Sanctum

border="1">

href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/95871"> style="border: 0px solid ; width: 550px; height: 344px;"
alt="Rift Sanctum"
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/206916">

style="font-style: italic;"> Inside Sanctum

I ask for directions to Cyril Kalmar, for I know this is where he leads
our efforts to retake Telara. I find him in what is called the Holy
Seat, a raised dais where a throne sits empty. With him are Shyla
Starheath and Borrin Gamult.

I bow before them.

Forgive me, says Cyril. But I cant help thinking Ive seen you
before somewhere.

I am flattered. It has been over twenty years of his time since we
spoke. I talked to you many years ago, I reply. I am a scribe.

I remember you as well, said Borrin. So you made it, eh? Odd. You
dont look like youve aged. And your companion here looks exactly the
same. The slack-jawed, vacant stare. The ragged clothes. The unkempt
hair. How is this possible?

I explain our accidental trip through the portal.

You are lucky to survive that, says Cyril. I was under the
impression only an Ascended could travel through the portal. Perhaps
you are more important than we thought.

I smile deprecatingly. I think not. I am but a humble scribe.

There is nothing humble about being a scribe, good sir. It is an
honorable vocation.

I thank you, my lady.

And now will you continue on your path? asks Cyril. To document the
people of Telara?

I will my Lord. I wanted to see Sanctum for myself though. To see what
we are fighting for and to record its history in my book.

Then good luck to you. And to your companion. Actually, is he all
right in the head?

I turn to look at Bran. He is staring at Shyla with a look of hopeless
adoration on his face. His mouth is hanging open. I reach across,
embarrassed, and tap the bottom of his jaw. His mouth closes with an
audible click.

Honestly, I cant take him anywhere.

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Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

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