Episode 3: Willow's Keep and Nithion's Crystal
Locke and Lilanei's rest lasts only briefly as it is not long before the sun begun to creep up into the sky – its light slowly reaching into the Grotto and arousing our two Heroes from their slumber. Rising, with hopes for the brand new day, the pair prepare to once again embark on their journey. They treat the remainder of their wounds, patch their tattered clothing, and partake in a simple breakfast of apples, which grow wildly outside the cave exit. Soon, with renewed vigor, they pack their things and set off once again into the great unknown that is the Midwestern part of the island, Murrad.
They begin by following the beaten trail ahead of them, most likely made by the merchants which came before them. However, the two young adventurers' lack of experience is soon made more than evident when they realize the trail they believed to have been following begins to change. The road becomes more and more overgrown and the once few trees grow in number, until they find themselves thrust deeply into a lush green forest. The wind whistles past them, carrying nothing but silence. They were truly and utterly lost. Locke looks around the forest, seeing but trees and overgrowth.
After a few moments of silence, Locke looks to Lil and announces, "So, we lost?"
She sighs, "Looks that way."
"I thought this trail was supposed to be easy to follow?" Locke asks.
"It was easy to follow until you got side tracked by that rabbit," Lil snaps.
"Hey, I can't help it. I think rabbits are adorable," Locke replies, scratching the back of his hand sheepishly in embarrassment; Lil then flails her hands around in a mocking motion as she repeats what Locke has just said, to which Locke sighs and kicks some dirt beneath his boot.
"So, what do we do now?" Locke asks. "Continue upon this trail? Or shall we go elsewhere?"
"Trail?" Lil repeats. "What trail? I don't even remember which direction we came from."
"Well, obviously, we came from our rear," Locke answers before motioning behind them. "So, we could backtrack. We could go forwards, or we could left, or we could go right."
"Considering we've made dozens of turns since we've been lost, I don't think backtracking is an option," Lil sighs. "I guess we'll go forward and if we get lucky, we might hit the edge of the island."
Lil's last comment oozed with sarcasm, something Locke didn't appreciate as he sternly began, "Look. We're lost. To get ourselves out of this predicament, we should probably focus our energies on getting out of here, as opposed to making sarcastic comments. Let's try and remember what Akorinn taught us about being in a large wild place such as this."
Lil purses her lips, looking down her nose at him while mumbling under her breath, "You can't even remember what you had for dinner last night.”
"No," Locke agrees, "but I remember the breakfast we had. Lots of lovely apples! Now, let's try and get out of this fix and head forth."
Our Heroes, upon Locke's suggestion, press forward through the wildly growing greenery. Locke uses his sickle to slash and cut through the many branches, weeds, and bushes so that he and Lilanei can make their way through the dense forest. The forest is dim due to the trees towering high into the sky, causing only cracked beams of sunlight to flow down upon them. The wind then gusts, blowing strands of hair into their faces as they carry on through the forest. Never had they encountered anything such as this – such wrenching silence. Nevertheless, they persevere, determined to make their way to civilization. That is, until they hear a sudden rustle from behind them and what sounds like a twig snapping which a shrill crack.
"Freeze, intruders!" A voice howls within the shadows of the forest. "Move but an inch, and my arrow will be swift and merciless!"
Locke stops in his tracks and lowers his sickle upon hearing the voice and its threat; he grins slightly and chuckles before looking to Lil, his grin still upon his face as he talks to her in a raised voice to ensure the person giving the warning could hear them, "I didn't know trees could talk." Locke says with a laugh. "I didn't realize they sounded that stupid, either. Come on out, coward! Your little games have no effect on us. This is a public forest and we're just passing through. Show yourself!"
The voice growls, "You will regret those words, dirty―"
As she speaks, she steps out from behind a nearby tree, stepping before our adventurers. However, she stops dead in her tracks as she realizes who they are.
"Hey!" Locke says with a smile. "You're the lady we freed from the thieves' lair. For a second there, you had me shaking like a leaf, ha ha!"
She smiles, withdrawing her bow and returning it to its holster on her back, as she speaks, "I never would have thought I'd meet you two again."
Lil smiles back, "It's good to see you're still alive."
"Yeah," Locke adds. "As silly as it sounds, we were never formally introduced. I'm Locke, and this here is my fellow adventurer, Lilanei, but I dunno if she'll let you call her Lil like I do―" Locke continues, until he's cut off by an elbow to his ribs from Lil.
She then says, with a grin, "Lil's just fine."
"Yeah. . ." Locke says slowly after brushing Lil's elbow away. "So, what's your name?"
The elf, resting her right hand on her hip, responds, "My name is Esraniel Faralon. But you can call me Esra."
"Ah," Locke says with a slight sigh. "Had you not said that last bit, I was going to call you Essy!"
Esra simply raises an eyebrow to Locke before continuing, "Anyway, I'm sorry about that. But my village is nearby and our people do not take intruders lightly."
Lil's eyes widen before she asks, "Village? You mean there's actually a village in this forest?"
Esra answers, "Yes – it is named Willow's Keep. Our leader is Adiel. Normally it is a lively elven village; however, I'm afraid that can't be said anymore."
"Why is that?" Locke asks. "Are your people in some kind of trouble? I know there have been problems with Orcs and Goblins around these parts, but I thought Lil and I took care of that."
"Orcs?" She begins, before shaking her head. "No, fortunately Orcs and Goblins do not frequent our forest. As you know, I'm a traveler; however, Willow's Keep is my hometown and I return annually to visit my family. Nevertheless, yesterday when I returned, instead of my thriving home, I found something much more sinister."
"What? Your people forget to pay the tax man?" He says, trying to get a smile out of Esra.
She ignores his attempt at humour before shaking her head once more, "Usually, our village does not allow other races within its walls―"
"Ah, racism," Locke interjects, feeling slightly at home on the subject. "Yes, we can relate to that."
Esra's eyes widen, before she exclaims, "No, you don't understand! It's not as you think. But I think words could not explain. It would be better if I showed you."
Locke and Lil nod in agreement, intrigued by Esra's predicament and what it could mean. They were also keen to find some kind of settlement to possibly purchase some items for their travels and, if they were lucky, a room and a home cooked meal for the night.
"Come this way," Esra finally begins. "I will take you to see the Village but prepare yourself, for what you are about to see. . . is beyond anything you may have yet to encounter."
Turning, Esraniel begins a slow deliberate march through the forest, followed closely by her two curious allies. It is not long before the forest grows deep and thick and they finally come to what appears to be a dead end – a massive wall of timber and vines blocking the way. Esra, however, shows no concern as she steps before the green wall. She softly graces her fingers across the lush greenery and almost immediately the vines withdraw and the trees shift to the sides – revealing now an entrance into Willow's Keep. As they enter, our Heroes are instantly taken aback. It is indeed a village – natural houses and huts made of green scattered along the ground. Nevertheless, it is devoid of life. In the place of people stand statues, their poses and faces etched in fear and anguish. They stop dead in their tracks as they stumble over rocks in front of them, only to find it is the shattered remains of one of these statues. Esraniel, her back still turned to the pair emits a sullen sigh before motioning forwards with a raised hand.
"This, Locke and Lilanei, is Willow's Keep. Or at least, what remains – for all of my people have been turned to stone," Her head lowers, clearly glancing down at the shattered stone scattered on the ground around them. "Some, I'm afraid, were luckier than others."
Locke looks around their surroundings, slightly puzzled, "Gosh, your people do seem to like statues around here. What's so unlucky―"
Lil interrupts by kicking Locke in the shin and covering his mouth.
"Haven't you any respect?" She shrieks. "Those statues are people, you moron!"
Locke's eyes widen after he takes in what Lil has said; Lil takes her hand away from Locke's mouth and he sighs, "Esra, I apologize. I didn't realize that. . ."
She turns back to face our Heroes, her eyes narrowed down at Locke before she gives him a forgiving nod, "It's alright."
"Do you know who did this?" Locke asks.
Esra looks directly down at her feet, her arms now crossed across her chest, "I'm afraid I do."
"Who?" Lil asks curiously.
With a deep sigh, Esra begins her story, "The culprit behind my peoples' petrified state is none other than the Stone-Eye Basilisk, Anole. Centuries ago, our village thrived with diversity; but a local group of humans were selfish and wished to expand to the desert. They disturbed the Basilisk's lair and caused it to ravage our village in a rage on a regular basis. Our leader during that time was a wise old elf named Nithion. He forged a crystal that was able to resist the effects of the Basilisk's gaze. He fought the monster bravely and it retreated back to its lair where it has remained since―" Esra pauses for a moment before continuing. "As a result of their foolishness, the humans were exiled from our village, and it was thereby decreed that no other race should make their home in the Willow's Keep. Half-Humans, too, were forced to leave their homes and their families. Our village became completely isolated into what it is today. Our leader, Adiel – Nithion's daughter – continues to uphold this decree with great vigor."
Lilanei remains quiet in thought before finally saying, "But why has the Basilisk returned after all this time?"
"And while we're at it," Locke inputs, "what exactly is a Basilisk?"
Esra looks to Lil, stating, "As to why it's come back, I truly do not know. It may just be that our world is changing and the creature has therefore been disturbed once more. As what for what it is," she begins, now glancing at Locke, "Basilisks are very predatorial reptiles who, on eight stubby legs, hunt down any who disturb them. In the case of the Stone-Eye, they will often petrify their victims before devouring them."
"So, this glorified crocodile is what plagues your people?" Locke asks, reaching for his sickle. "Just point me to it, and I'll fashion some pouches and boots for a hundred!"
"I'm afraid it isn't that easy," She retorts. "If you were to face it as you are now, you would easily be turned to stone and devoured."
"So, where's your leader?" Locke asks.
Esra glances to the side, her gaze seemingly far away, "Adiel was not exempt from its attack."
"She's dead?" Locke cries.
"No," she responds. "She has also been turned to stone. Tthose who have not been shattered may still be alive. Petrification merely puts its victim into an unconscious state. From what I can see, they may have only been turned for perhaps a week. There may still be a chance to save them."
"How do we do that?" Locke asks.
She looks back at the young rogue, "Only the blood of the Basilisk may cure the petrified state of my people."
"So, like I said, we'll just fashion some Basilisk clothing," Locke says with encouragement.
Lil once again elbows him in the ribs before crying, "Haven't you listened to a word she's said? We'll never come back alive if we don't find a way to prevent being petrified!" Lil then turns to Esra with an inquisitive look as she asks, "Isn't there a way we could find Nithion's Crystal and use it against the Basilisk?"
Esra thinks for a moment before responding, her gaze honest and humble, "I suppose if you were to venture into the centre of our village to the Temple of The Hallowed Light, you may be able to retrieve the Crystal, as that is where it lays," She pauses for a few moments before continuing. "I know it is beyond my place to ask for such a favour, but I have no one else to turn to. I'm merely a traveler and I do not possess the power to take on such a ferocious beast. I beg of you, if you can find it within you to help this desperate soul, I would be most grateful."
"It's done," Locke says, putting his hand on Esra's shoulder. "That's what Lil and I trained for all our lives – to explore this brave new world and to help the people in it. Take us to your temple and we vow to slay the beast and bring the sunshine back to Willow's Keep once more. Come with us and help us on this quest, and we shall be the Risk-Taking-Three! All for one and one for all, right Lil?"
Before Lilanei is able to respond, her face fuming from Locke's silliness, Esra emits a slight chuckle, "I'm afraid I cannot accompany you as I must meanwhile guard the village from any intruders or strangers who may disturb its peace. However, in return, I can guide you wherever you wish to go on the island. I am quite familiar with Murrad's dangers and secrets and it would be the least I could do."
"Just getting us out of this forest would be fine," Locke replies. "But you'd be welcome to along with us if you wanted."
"I'm afraid that is not my destiny – but," she says as she takes his hand from her shoulder and grasps it in her own two palms, "I appreciate your kind offer."
"Ah, too bad," Locke says with a smile. "I always like making new friends, and Lil and I would've been glad for the company. But if you can get us out of this forest and on our way, we'll be square and we'll slay the Basilisk for you."
Esra agrees, and on that note, she then shows them to the Temple of The Hallowed Light. They soon approach the temple, a medium sized stone building set into the earth. A single point on top of the building points directly into the sky, parting the trees slightly so that a ray of light shines down on its entrance.
"Nice building," Locke states, observing the two large oak doors that stand in front of them. "Is this building like a church?"
Esra shakes her head, "No. The Temple stores only the Crystal as it is our village's most cherished artifact."
Lil, looking up at the building, simply states, "It seems small. Is it really that hard to get to the Crystal?"
"Why would it be hard?" Locke asks. "We just go in there, walk up to the pedestal, or whatever it's on, and take it. Right, Esra?"
Esra frowns, "No, I'm afraid it's not that easy. The temple is a specially constructed safe keep for the Crystal. It was designed with many traps to prevent intruders from recovering the it. I have never actually been inside, but the legend says that those who seek the Crystal merely need a good heart."
"Well, I do do a lot of running. . ." Locke says quietly. "I'd say my heart's pretty good."
Lil simply sighs, after which Esra continues, "I will open the entrance for you, but that is as far as I go. Take these as a token of good luck, for you may just need it."
On that note, she hands them each one Potion of Healing before stepping in front of the door. Placing her palm against the oak, she concentrates for a moment before the door opens with a loud creak. Our two Heroes step into the Temple, and as they turn back to Esra, the last thing they see is her worried eyes as the door shuts behind them with a massive boom. They are now sealed within the Temple. As Locke and Lilanei finally turn to face the room, they realize it is empty. There is a single door across the room, massive and looming in front of them.
"Let's do it then," Locke announces, as he looks to Lil before walking up to the large door in front of them.
Locke looks at the door and glances at the walls either side of it, before he gives the door a little kick to look for any possible booby traps that could activate by the door being opened or jerked. Locke successfully kicks the door and soon finds himself in a great deal of pain as it is a very sturdy and well built stone door.
"Argh!" Locke cries as hops on one leg, holding his boot in his hands.
"Why is it," Lil begins as she watches him with agitated look on her brow, "that you manage to hurt yourself doing the simplest of tasks?"
"I didn't know how else to check for traps!" Locke shouts in between groans of pain.
"Well, at least your stupidity has proved useful," She says as she looks around the room. "There doesn't appear to be any traps after all."
"Let's continue," Locke replies in between breaths. "Or at least, I'll hop along."
Lil sighs, reaching for the door handle, turning it and giving it a pull. However, with neither a pull nor a push, the door refuses to give way. She quietly stares at the door before finally announcing, "It must be locked."
"It took you two minutes of pushing and pulling to figure that one out?" Locke sighs. "And you call me the stupid one."
Lilanei responds simply by stomping on Locke's injured foot.
“Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!" Locke cries as he sinks to his knees and pleads woefully, "Lilanei, please! I think it might be broken!"
She shakes her head and says, "Stop being such a baby and help me figure out how to get through this door. Perhaps we have not had a good enough look in the room itself."
Painfully, Locke rises to his feet and begins to scan the room. While the room is brightly lit by magical orbs that hang scattered across the walls, there appears to be nothing else apart from the walls, the floors, and a few cobwebs scattered here and there in the otherwise pristine room. Locke walks to the wall to the left of the door and places his hands on it, running his palms over the stone to check for a secret lock or switch that may open the door.
After a few moments of caressing his hands against the stone, Locke turns to Lil and announces, "Nothing here. Should I try the other walls?"
Looking stern, she glances slowly at each of the walls before saying, "They look solid to me. Maybe we're looking in the wrong place."
"Hmm," Locke murmurs under his breath before looking at the floor, "Perhaps this place could be like that old mansion we encountered. Maybe there's an entrance or some kind of mechanism to open that door in the floor."
As she listens to him discuss the floor, an idea suddenly sparks in Lil's mind as she raises her index in the air in swift realization.
"Maybe," she begins, "we're not looking in the right direction. What about the ceiling?"
Locke cranes his head back and looks up at the ceiling, which towers at least thirty feet above them.
"You jest, right?" Locke asks as he peers up at the ceiling, before announcing as his eyes scrutinize it, "Well, I guess it's worth a look."
As Locke focuses, he suddenly notices an object hanging from the ceiling. At first he cannot decipher what it could be; however, with some squinting, he finally realizes it is a single key hanging precariously on the end of a long hook.
"That looks like our key," Locke says before looking to Lil. "I'm surprised you didn't see it sooner."
Lilanei pinches him on the nose, crying, "You wouldn't even have thought to look if it wasn't for me!"
"Woman," Locke snaps, "I would've thought to look; I just hadn't got around to it yet!"
Lilanei simply shakes her head and looks up at the key hanging from the ceiling, as she asks, "How do you propose we get it down?"
"Maybe my crossbow can help us," Locke suggests. "Maybe I can shoot it down."
Taking an arrow from his bag, Locke places the back of the arrow on the tightly wound steel string of his crossbow and pulls the arrow back until the locking mechanism locks the string into place with a click. Locke then aims the crossbow up at the key, closing his left eye to focus on his target. His finger squeezes the trigger which clicks and with a "twang!" the arrow shoots from the released string, flies into the air, and separates the key from the hook, causing the key to drop towards the ground as the arrow flies and embeds itself in the ceiling. Lilanei cups her hands together and dives forward as the key lands gently in the centre of her palms.
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