Part 59: Elsewhere (Patreon)

“How much further until we can rest?” Madyson whined. “I don’t believe the two of us should camp out in the wilderness. We can reach a village, ask around about our quest, and find a place to stay for the night,” Choru replied. The mage looked at her admiringly: “Such a natural leader, what a rational plan, and she’s so cute!” she thought silently.

It was still some time before sundown when they passed a farmhouse. Following the road a little further, the arrived in a bustling town center. “You ask about the keystone, I’ll find us a place to stay.”

Maddie nodded, as a mage, she was accustomed to asking unusual questions of strangers. At first, she had little luck, but the third villager she asked sent her in the direction of one Clydia (Carly), a local seer and fortune-teller. Maddie frowned, as most people in occupations thus described were total quacks, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t have useful information.

While Maddie expected an old crone, she found Clydia to be a comely young woman. “What is it that you seek? Don’t tell me….you are looking for an artifact of great power,” the fortune teller said. Maddie had to consider the possibility that some of the villagers had already tipped her off to the mage’s line of questioning. Clydia put out a hand, and Maddie dropped a coin into it. But the hand remained outstretched until Maddie added another, and a third. Then the seer intoned, “It is lost to you, now. Search the tomb in the old Cragsten barrow. That’s where it once was lain. Perchance you will find an inkling of its fate in the place where it was intended to rest, the tomb of a powerful sorceress.”

Maddie seemed confused. “What do you mean it is lost to me. And where is this barrow?”

Clydia put out her hand again. Maddie rolled her eyes, before giving in and offering another coin. “The spirits just tell me it is lost to you, for now. They don’t explain. The barrow is a day south from here on foot. But it’s a dangerous road to an even more treacherous place. Do not undertake this journey lightly. It’s also said to be haunted.” Maddie shrugged, and got up. “Thank you for your custom.” Clydia said, her purse jingling as she dropped Maddie’s coins into it.