The moon stopped and asked him one day; “Are you angry with me? I have not seen you and the one dancing under my light for a long time.”
“No, I am not angry with you moon. The one chooses a shallow pan over me; she has abandoned the glory of our being. I desire to dance under the glory of your light. But for now, I do not have one to dance with.” said the man. “How sad.” the moon replied.
And the moon grew sad and darkened the skies. The rain stopped and asked the moon; ‘Why do you despair, dear moon?” And the moon told the rain of the sad story of the man and the one. He told of the true love the man and the one had. How he saw the happiness and deep love the two had as one. And the rain cried tears of dew that covered the fields the whole world over. And the grass and trees and flowers tasted the sad dew from the rain. They asked the rain why he cried tears of sadness. And the rain gave the story of the man and the one. Then the plants dropped the dew to the ground because it was filled with sadness and tasted bitter.
The soil rejected the sad dew and it flowed to the stream. The stream gobbled it up and it flowed to the river. The river felt the sadness in its waters and churned it into rapid pools and preceded to flood the lands. The succession of sadness in the floods grew larger and faster until it arrived at the sea. The sea seeing the anger in the waters asked the river why he caused such a misery on the land. And the river told the tale of how the land refused the sadness of the dew. The sea called into the deep ocean. It asked the land why he did not absorb the dew, filled with sadness. The land replied to the moon had caused the rain to cry tears of sadness. And the plants shed the water for it tasted sour.
The sea looked upon its surface and could not find the reflection of the moon. So, the sea called to the ocean far away to ask the sun what had happened. The sun told the ocean it had shined its light to the moon for reflection of happiness to ward off the darkness. But something happened to make the moon sad. The sun asked the moon why to have you darkened the night sky? And the moon told the story of the man’s sadness because the one rejected the love of the two, for a shallow pan. The sun paused for a moment in time, he remembered how he once rejected a planet and flung it out into space. But the love of the one returned after a very long time. It collided with the earth, and the earth absorbed its sister and made the moon from the remains. Then is when the sun asked the earth why it absorbed its sister, whom the sun had flung into the farthest reaches of space. And the earth reminded the sun of the deep love of family. And the moon was set to orbit the earth and reflect the sun on the dark side of earth by night. This is how the world reminded the sun of true love. And by the light of the moon lovers can dance and reflect happiness toward the darkness of space and time.
And so, the sun called to the moon and told it of the love on earth. And the moon smiled a crescent grin, lighting the night sky. The man saw the happy smile of the moon and remembered the happiness of the two. But without his one true love beside him he felt lonely. But the clouds felt the love of the sun, reflecting from the moon, and opened the sky to let the stars shine through. And the man wished upon a star, starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, find my one true love tonight. And an angel heard his song, descending from the heaven above, came to the man.
And she told the man; “Your sadness has caused an upset in nature. Why do you feel you must make the world sad?” And the man replied, “I did everything to make the one happy. And she gave me heartache in return. The one was my everything. I was only her nothing. I tried to keep our love strong, gave all my patience and understanding. Was always there for her whenever she needed me. And when I needed her, she called me a martyr. Spoke bad thing about me for her friend to laugh at. I gave her all my attention. Even when I did no wrong, I accepted blame for the very chaos she created. And in the end, left me for a shallow pan.” And the angel asked the man; “And from all the wrong you still love the one?” “Yes, I do.” said the man.
And the angel thought for a time. And she asked the sun, the moon and the stars for light on the matter. And nature brought forth her soft rain, and seasons and plants wrote advice. The fish of the sea and all creatures on the earth put together their minds. And at once, in a twinkle of an eye, the glory of creation caused the man to go forth in a deep sleep. When the man awoke, he saw life through different eyes. And with his own mind he decided that true love was always within himself. And he danced under the light of the moon, given by the sun. And the rain fell softly on the grass. And the land absorbed some and shared also with the stream. And the river felt calm. And the sea kissed the land with waves and foam. All the while the sun remembered that rejection of family created chaos, that set into motion the sadness of the man, who loved the one fallen into a shallow pan. And this is why the moon smiles in a crescent. Why even on the darkest of nights a star shines its light. And the man understood that he forgives the one who thinks that what appears to some as black sky is the foot that stomps the small mind. Nevertheless, he can still miss the one true love.
Have you ever looked deep inside, the way I look into your eyes? Do you notice the smaller things, like the beauty I see in your iris? The smaller things in life are beautiful for me. Like the sound of your heart, softly playing the song of life when we are near. Even your breath, when we kiss may seem small, but it means a big thing for my ears. And for the camera lens we can focus on the smallest of things most never dare to see. Let us journey inside our flowers.
And even Holly Berries look different up close
Tender like the softness of your skin rose leaves emerge
There are things I must learn, and things I must do. Today has only been one part of this journey. ~~ Wade Lancaster
A honey bee gathering pollen for the hive. Meanwhile back at the hive, someone else makes wax. Busy bees working together making honey.
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.
Marriage is like a home. When something needs attention you do not buy a new home, you resolve the problem. ~ quote of resolve
Relationship is complicated and has many parts, where true love is only a singularity. We have a multitude of parts we can seek perfection in. ~ quote of perfection
how did we get here
a place where time has past
a clock with no hands
faceless
numbers none
the calendar has no date
memory has no dream
dreams have no sleep
eyes seeing nothing
where light has no time
never shared holiday
wishes not spoken
nails turning to rust
boarding up
how can we repair
will we let it rot away
for other direction
gone
I tried to show her everyday she was my favorite person, my best friend and always my one true love. ~~ Looking Into The Mirror As The Story Unfolds
(March 15 is the beginning of the New Year but Nisan 14 shows it as 22, March, however it will actually fall a month late on 22, April. The spring equinox occurs on 20, March this year. Does anyone really know what time it is?)
Waking up today once again to the rooster crowing and me feeling great is most welcomed. The past few days since my arrival had me a bit out of place. I feel more refreshed and not hungry like before. Today I will embrace the journey to Varrock. I do not see the need to build a fire to cook or for warmth. Soon I will follow the road north to that great big city. It is exciting to think of what may be in store for me once I arrive. If the road is not to dangerous I feel things will soon get much better. Looking at the map it shows two roads that will lead to Varrock. One I have been on already and from there it is not far to the city walls. The other road leads past the Goblins across the river Lum then winds northward. It splits in two different routes. One moves back along the river while the other heads a bit east then winds back west before going north. This may be longer but more interesting. I think I will take the safer and shorter way.
With everything in the bank except my tools and fishing equipment I begin the journey. My new friends Jon and Joan are not where I last saw them. Maybe they are at that meeting place they told me about. But it is a bit early so who knows. The sign post at the Lum river bridge reads Varrock is either direction. There is another sign post directing Draynor Village and Falador are to the west. The sign at the bridge also points east to Al Kharid. I stop and study the map further and see these towns are not far from here. The map shows the entire world of Gielinor is divided into different kingdoms. Al Kharid is a city in the Kharidian Desert. There are the cities of Menaphos and Sophanem to the far south. The towns of Uzer Mastaba, Bandit Camp and Bedabin Camp are in the middle regions. It seems these kingdoms are united under different rulers. There is also marks noting pyramids and other small villages. Even though it looks like the entire region is desert a river cuts through the middle of the area. To the east across the sea from the region are two islands marked The Pirate Islands. I would love to one day explore this area.
The area I have been living in is marked as the kingdom of Misthalin. Varrock is the capitol and Lumbridge, Draynor, Edgeville and Barbarian Village seem to be the larger cities and towns. There are places marked as Wizards Tower, Lumbridge Swamp and a place named Dorgesh-Kaan which seems to be in Lumbridge castle. I never saw anything marked as Dorgesh-Kaan here. Maybe that is where the cave under it leads? Wizards Tower must be the place where magic is taught and maybe where wizards live.
To the east is a kingdom named Morytania. There are two islands off that coast. One is un-named and the other says Botany Bay. Morytania has three cities. Canifis, Mort’ton and Port Phasmatys. The area looks to be mostly swamp in the southern half of the region marked Sanguinesti Region. And oddly the map says Vampyres and Werewolves be here. I thought they were only myths. There seems to be three large castles in this area too.
To the north of Varrock is an area marked the wilderness. I can see the wall that Hans had told me about between Edgeville/Varrock and the wilderness. To the northeast an area is marked Daemonhiem beside the ocean. It looks as if there are many volcanic areas in the wilderness. It seems the only way to reach Daemonhiem is by going through the wilderness. You can see what looks like towns but nothing is named in the region. Hans said this was where the god wars took place and that is why it is barren. I must study more about the gods when I find a library.
To the west is the kingdom of Asgarnia. Falador looks like a walled city with a castle. It is marked as the regions capitol. There are other cities and towns. Burthorpe to the north looks big but has other towns nearby marked Taverley and Goblin Village. To the south of Falador is Port Sarim and Rimmington. Off the coast is small Crandor Island. I remember duke Horacio telling me this is where the dragon lives, on Crandor. The larger island off the coast above Crandor is named Entrana. Goblin Village? Interesting they have their own place but seem to hang out in Lumbridge. North of Burthorpe it is marked Troll Lands and north of it is marked Frozen Wastes. The Frozen Wastes marks the fortress of Ghorrock. To the west of Burthorpe is Wolf Mountain. Above Falador there is a small mountain near a place marked dwarves mine. I can see there are small details of places all over the map that indicate a hole with a ladder too. It seems there may be other places marked by rock circles in various areas. Somewhere there must be a map or maps of greater detail showing where everything is.
To the south of Asgarnia is the continent of Karamja. On the north side of Karamja is a large volcano near a town marked Brimhaven which looks like a port city. Below Brimhaven it appears to be the Kharrazi jungle where the village Tai Bwo Wannai is marked. I recall Lumcook telling me this is where the mahogany and teak wood come from. To the far south is Shilo Village. The east coast has a marked Shipyard where on the west coast is Cairn Island. Once I get a home I will need to go there and get some fine wood to build furniture. Musa Point on the northeast of Karamja details some fishing docks and a shipping port near a few buildings. I am guessing the pineapples and bananas we bought in Ashdale came from here. I am thinking monkeys live there too. In the south sea of Karamja are three islands marked Ape Atoll and below these an island marked The Void Island. I remember hearing of these places from people of my home island. Just to the west of Void Island is home… Ashdale. Though it seems smaller on the map I know it is larger. From what I can see I am a very long way from home.
Far to the west of Asgarnia is a very large kingdom marked Kandarin. This is where I was born. It is directly north of Ashdale. The beleaguered state capitol is Ardougne. A huge divided city said to have the insidious plague in its western part. Also home of the Gnomes who maintain two cities in the region. Ardougne is a wealthy capitol. The eastern part of Ardougne is ruled by King Lathas and the west by his brother King Tyras both sons of the late King Ulthas. King Tyras lives with his army in the Tyras Camp after he returned from a war campaign against the Elven King. This I remember from my studies researching Kandarin. It would be my goal and worthwhile to travel there as soon as I am able. The map shows Ancient Caverns, Baxtorian Waterfall, towns of Catherby and Seer’s Village to the north of Ardougne. In the far northwest lies the Piscatoris Fishing Colony. To the southeast is Witchaven on the coast which marks a fishing platform. Hemenster is a small town north of Ardougne and south of Seer’s Village on the west coast. The Fishing Guild and Rangers Guild are both marked as being here. Seer’s Village marks a small castle named Camelot. The Tree Gnome Village is a large fenced area west of Hemenster as marked on the map. Southwest of West Ardougne is the Tree Gnome Stronghold. Between the two places is a large area marked as the battlefield. East of the battlefield and south of West/East Ardougne is a Zoo. The map shows a medium sized city to the south as Yanille marked as the Wizards Guild. In the far south of Kandarin below Yanille is a jungle area listed as Feldip Hills. To the north east of Yanille is Port Khazard a fishing area. The far north of Kandarin, above Seer’s Village is The Fremennik Lands. The only town marked is Rellekka. There is a lighthouse on the northwest coast. The eastern side is marked Keldagrim and nearby Mountain Camp. There are six islands in the sea north of Rellekka. Lunar Isle, Waterbirth Island, Miscellania, Etceteria, Jatizso and Neitiznot. There is also an island marked as Iceberg.
The last area marked on the western edge of the map is the kingdom of Tirannwn. It seems this entire region is only accessible by climbing over a mountain west of West Ardougne. The route is marked Arandar. The largest city is Prifddinas located near the center of the kingdom. Lletya is a smaller city to the southeast. There seems to be a village marked Elf Camp to the south. In the far southern region an area is marked as Poison Waste. The entire kingdom area is known as Isafdar Forest. I have heard of this area since I was young. This is the kingdom of the elven peoples. Gielinor is a huge world when you look at it from a maps view. It may take me years to even get to Kandarin. I look up into the morning sky and see our moon Zanaris fading as the sun rises. Even Zanaris has people different from humans living on it. So much to explore, let the journey begin.
I guess once I spend some time in Varrock I will come back this way on the other road and explore further. I can see Gillie across the river milking cows in the field. And as I round the bend in the road Millie is gathering grain in the wheat field. Farmer Fred waves to me as I pass the chicken farm, motioning something like a fight pose. He laughs. I will never live down the day a chicken almost beat me. One day though I will come back and show-off my fighting skills. As I pass over the small bridge I see that Goblin walking near what looks like a Gnome. Curiosity calls being I have never seen one before except in books. Walking over toward the man I notice he seems very busy cleaning the area. “Hello!” I called out to the strange looking man. “Hi. I don’t have time to talk I have to cleanup this area where the Gnomecopter Tours once were.” The man explained. “Gnomecopter? What is that?” I asked. “Flying machines we Gnomes built to take people on tours around Gielinor. Our King has ordered us to stop services and return the flying machines home to the kingdom for military service. All we have left are Gnome glider service to travel customers around. Go travel by Gnome when you can and visit our village. I must be off now, good-bye.” The Gnome explained as he moved off to work. So much to learn in this world who would have ever thought Gnomes could fly, I thought.
As I walked closer to the capitol of Varrock I passed by a nice mining pit. A couple people were busy cutting into the different looking rocks. One guy said he got silver ore and another said he was mining iron ore. Nearby was a farming patch next to a building with a sign that read Combat Guild. In front on this building was the corner of a very tall, long and sturdy looking stone wall. I could see some guards in the distance near what looked like an opening. As I approached the men I saw they were well armored and had expensive looking shield and sword. Just past these men where some fanatic looking wizards wearing black hooded robes. The guards waved me through the entrance into the city. I could see buildings on both sides of the street. Some tall buildings and longer than any I had ever seen. A stray dog was walking near a man who looked about as stray as the dog. The street had an intersection and other streets went east and west. There were banners crossing the roads tied from balconies and lamps on post to lighten the night. A little way up the avenue I saw it! The Blue Moon Inn. Praise Saradomin! Finally a room and board to stay. I walked through the door and saw both men and women sitting at tables drinking beer and eating foods. There was a long ell shaped bar with stools for dozens of people. In this place alone were more people than in all of Lumbridge. A barmaid stopped and asked what I was drinking. “Are there any rooms in this inn?” I asked. “Certainly! Just talk with the guy over there behind the bar.” She replied. “New in town babe? Let me get you a beer, no charge. Come back once you get settled in. We make the best steak and baked potato in town. I’m Mavis Gray by the way. Just ask for me honey.” She said as she handed me a tall glass of light colored ale and disappeared in the crowd. Wow I thought. How nice. The man behind the bar was a larger than life man. Huge by any standard. “What can I do for you son?” He said in a gruff voice. “I need a room, sir.” No problem young man. Its 25 gold coins for the night unless you are paying by the week then its 35 gold coins for the week unless you are staying for a month then its 78 gold coins by the month. You are new in town right? Well you probably are staying for a while, maybe a couple months. I’ll tell you what, make it 50 coins a month. Pay me tomorrow. Rooms are upstairs. Take one on the back north corner, less noisy. The crowd gets a little rowdy late at night. See me tomorrow. I might have some work for you to do. Hey, take a beer with you.” The man rattled off. He handed me another beer and a key and walked toward the other end of the room. I downed the beer the barmaid gave me and carried the other one as I walked up the stairs. Still wondering what just happened. Pay me later, have a free beer. Take the best room… maybe a highway man hit me over the head on the way here and I am dreaming. Maybe I’m dead. This is weirder than that talking pig. I pinched myself to see if it hurt. It hurt.
I opened the door to the room and could not believe how big it was. The bed was larger than any I ever slept in. The bathroom was nicer than I could ever dream. For 50 coins a month I could stay here a year just on what money I have in the bank now. He also said he had work for me too. What more could I ask for? There was a knock at the door. I opened the door and it was Mavis. “Hey babe. I am sorry for being so rushed earlier, I forgot to ask you your name.” She inquired. “I’m Puissantius.” I replied. “Nice to meet you Puissantius, I’m Mavis. But I already told you that. I know you are new in town so I wanted to welcome you to Varrock. We have so much to see in our city and many shops. I’m sure you want to freshen up a bit before you eat. Maybe you would like some new clothes, a shave and nice shoes. Just a few houses up toward the town square is a shop on the left. Thessalia is the owner and she makes clothes. She gives away complete outfits for free just to show off her fine line of custom clothing. If you want to go and get some new clothes while I send a maid up to stock your room with towels and soap she should be done by the time you return.” Wow thanks Mavis! You are a wonderful girl. I appreciate everything you have done. You are making me feel very welcome in Varrock.” I replied. “Well Puissantius you are in the greatest city in all of Gielinor and our hospitality says it all. Now supper will be served at six. We are serving grilled steak, baked potato with choice of filling, corn on the cob and apple pie. We have a wide assortment of beers or tea. Now don’t be late.” Mavis smiled a big grin as she closed the door behind her. I put my things in the drawers and closet and headed downstairs then out the door into the street. There were a lot of people coming and going as I walked north toward the town square. Just before the last house on the left was a sign that read Thessalia Fine Clothes.
I entered the door and saw an elderly woman sitting in a rocking chair to the right. She was knitting something and called out, Thessalia you have a customer. A young woman came out from the back room. “Hello sir I’m Thessalia. I can see from the worn and tattered clothes you are wearing you have come to the right place. Here look in my catalog and pick out any colored outfit in any of the styles listed as free items. Once you make your selection step into one of the booths over there and your clothes will be changed by magic. Once you have a new wardrobe step out into the area. And please take my catalog when you leave or place your order before going. My custom clothing line is sure to please the ladies and gents in many settings. I thumbed through the book and decided on a blue outfit of a stylish contemporary design. I stepped into the booth and suddenly felt necked and clothed all in the same moment. When the curtain rose I had a complete new stylish outfit. Thessalia was nowhere to be seen and the older woman just continued to rock and knit. I took the catalog with me and thought I would look at later. When I got back to my room the maid had already finished stocking. I undressed and got into the bathtub. The water was hot and felt so refreshing. I washed, shaved and got ready to go downstairs for supper. The dinner was rather amazing. I drank a few different beers and hung out with the people. There was dancing, singing and such a merry evening with everyone. I took a cup of hot tea with me and went back to my room. I stood out on the balcony for a spell looking at the stars and Zanaris. Life doesn’t get much better than this. I am glad to be alive. I went back inside and climbed into bed. This was perhaps the most comfortable bed I have ever been in I thought. I closed my eyes and was asleep in moments.
Authors Post Note
The world of Gielinor is vast with many continents. This post doesn’t list in great detail just how large the world of Gielinor is. I only wanted to give the reader some idea of the different areas. In every city players will find a multitude of shops, non-player characters and quest. There are many dungeons throughout the world which greatly increase the world area. Even the moon is a separate world. The sixth age (present day) allows players to visit other realms through the newly rediscovered World Gate. Adventurers may also play a number of mini-games found in various cities. Questing is something I have once again begun to engage in. There are over 200 quest to play. Most will tell a story and give a player more historical references. Recently I complete one of the master quest; Love Story. It is about the NPC “The Wise Old Man” and his long lost love “Zenevivia.” With completion of this quest I achieved 300 quest points.
life has so much beauty
like the breath you are taking
in this very moment
feeding your blood
flowing into your mind
letting your eyes see
these words
and you remember
the ugly
lifers horrors
still you live
neurons fire
placing nightmares
into your cortex
even when you sleep
And that’s okay
we must remember
the past
it helps us to remain safe
life is about reality
knowledge
for the evil that also breathes
giving life to its own horror
seen with eyes
where neurons fire
from blood
feeding on the breath
we all breathe
let him live
in his own nightmare
when it sleeps
never eating on your hate
because you love you
you love life
and live
seeing life
your life
better
because you still breathe
Always resist the temptation to forget the painful part of your past.
Watching Mr. Lumcook put together this banquet was a great experience. I never knew you could marry so many different things together. Watching him make and bake a cake was a good lesson. The way he prepared each and every dish with superb mastery motives me to one day follow in his footsteps. “Alright Puissantius. Everything is ready for the banquet. If you will help me with two more things I will free you from this kitchen for today.” The Cook advised. “Most surly I will.” I told him. “You have shown me something I will remember for my entire life.” “That’s good to know Puissantius. Cooking is an art that only can improve. You have now the chance to practice your skill and aspire to be a great chef. Now, help me to move and place everything in the dining hall. It is through the door over there. I took as many dishes as I could carry and followed him through the door. “Wow!” I shouted. “Look at how magnificent this room is. Is that a mahogany table and chairs?” “Indeed it is Puissantius. Carved wood cut from trees in the jungle near Tai Bwo Wannai on Karamja. All the gold decorations, the teak panels and tapestry are products from every kingdom in Gielinor.” The Cook explained. We brought everything and set the table even a king would be proud of. “Okay assistant. Everything is ready for the Duke. Lastly I need you to go advise his lordship his banquet is ready. In the kitchen I left a bag for you. Inside is a fine new cake pan and ten chocolate bars. You might want to deposit your gold and everything else in the bank after you talk with the duke.” We said our farewells and I left to ascend the stairs.
I knocked on the solid wood door of the Dukes quarters. I heard him beckon me to enter. “Good-day Duke Horacio. Mr. Lumcook asked me to stop by and advise you he has prepared your supper. He asked if you would met your guest in the dining room.” I explained. “In the dining room? Guest? Oh my, I must have forgotten. Did he say who was coming?” The duke asked. “No sir. He only asked me to help him prepare the same meal the first cook made in a time past. I assisted him and we prepared the dining room for you.” I replied. “Okay Puissant. Thanks. Don’t forget I have a very important task for you. It seems the mighty dragon Elvarg of Crandor Island has once again broken free in the dungeon below Crandor island.. She has invoked her right to battle with you. Only a son of Kandarin can fulfill the pact written centuries ago between the dragon and Gielinor. She has sensed you were near and advised her right to battle.” The duke explained. “WHAT!” I exclaimed. I know nothing of fighting dragons! I can hardly defeat a chicken. It will burn me to ashes or eat my body and bones. I can’t!” I cried. “Puissantius calm down. This dragon is not as powerful as some. Yes, she can breathe fire and has vicious teeth but with training and the ‘Anti-Dragon Shield’ you will be able to force her back into the pit. See that shield hanging on the wall? Take it, it is yours.”
Anti-Dragon Shield
The duke informed and pointed to the shield. The shield was magnificent. It was large and shaped like a kite. It had a dull reddish color, some bronze and a riveted boarder. It appeared to have magical powers emitting around it. The symbol of a dragon with a sword impaled was on front. I took the shield. It was lighter than it looked. As I placed my arm into the leather it felt different from that of a cow. “This is mine?” I asked. “Yes.” The duke replied. “It is yours. It was crafted by a master smith using metals melted by a dragons breathe. The leather is dragon hide. An ancient mage endued the shield with magic that repels the dragon’s fire. Take good care of it Puissant. Practice your combat skills and when the guild master of the Champions Guild sees you are ready he will give you further instructions. Now go upstairs to the bank and deposit the shield for safe keeping. Good-day to you and good-luck.” The duke finished talking and turned to change his clothes. I exited the room and climbed up the stairs to the bank. “Good-afternoon sir. Would you like to access your bank today?” The banker asked. “Yes sir I would.” I replied. “Very well. Enter your pin and I will open your vault for you.” He explained. I entered my pin and the vault opened. “Sir, if I may, can I offer you one of our new tool belts? It allows you to carry a wide assortment of tools. It frees your hands and also makes more room in the backpack. It is free, a service we offer all of our patrons.” The banker informed. “Sure! Free is good. Thank-you kind sir.” I replied. I took the belt and wrapped it around my waist and buckled it. I put the shield in my vault and took all the tools out. I put each in the slot of the belt. I noticed there was a place for other tools, ones I didn’t have. I looked at the instruction pamphlet and it listed where each tool fit. Great, more stuff I don’t have. Time to go mine some ores and do some other things to make money. Oh money. I almost forgot what the cook had given me. I put the cake tin and coin in my bank. I kept one chocolate bar and put the rest in the cold storage. I closed the vault and the banker locked it again.
As I left the castle and went outside I noticed how nice the weather was. I spoke to a few local people along the way thinking how cheerful everyone seemed. There were butterflies fluttering around and even the graveyard did not seem too grim. The giant rats were further off in the distance today. The fisherman was talking to a couple people and waved as I walked past. Once I made it to the mine I got my pick-ax from the tool belt and began to strike the rocks. I was able to cut 14 pieces each of copper and tin ores. These were heavy and I decided maybe I would head back to the smelter and see if I could combine them and get some bronze bars. One of the other guys at the mine told me and this woman who was nearby, there was another mine to the west where he found iron ore and maybe even gold. He suggested we could meet here tomorrow and travel together and try our luck there. We all agree to meet. The lady reminded us the rock was much harder to cut that this soft stone here. She said if we had steel picks it would take less work. We all laughed, thinking one day maybe we could afford one. I bid my farewell and walked back toward town.
I stopped at the fountain in Lumbridge to get a drink of water and filled my pitcher. It would be nice to have a beer. I do not recall seeing a pub in this city or an inn either. I guess I should ask someone, there must be one nearby. I could use a bath too. Washing off in the fountain really is not the same as a bath. I could dive in the river but I am not sure what may be living in it. There was a man and woman talking outside the walls who I’ve seen before. Locals I guess. They would know where the local pub was I’m sure. I walked over to where the two were sitting near the bard. “Hello. Nice day to sit around and listen to music. How are you, I am Puissantius.” I inquired. “Hello Puissantius. I am Jon and this is my friend Joan. How do you like Lumbridge so far?” Jon replied. “Hi Joan, nice to meet you both. I like it. It is a nice town. Much bigger than where I came from. I am learning my way around.” I replied. “That good to hear. There is not much to do here. Not like some of the larger cities. And these monsters they let live here make it harder on us all.” Jon advised. “Monsters?” I asked. “Yeah, those goblins. Monsters I say. They let those and some others infect our town. The god Bandos left them behind after the god wars. They breed like rats. Like we need more rats. But the H.A.M movement is working to rid us of….” Joan cut him off. “Hush Jon you don’t know whose listening. He might be one of them.” “Nonsense Joan look at him. He doesn’t even know what I’m talking about… do you Puissantius?” Jon asked. “But he came here on a ship, with that knight.” Joan stated. “Well Puissantius, are you?” Jon asked. “Am I what? I do not have any idea what you two are talking about.” I said. “Are you a spy?” He asked. “No. NO I am not a spy! I am a simply farm boy from Ashdale. And that knight, Sir Isaac, put me in chains and forced me here. Said I am supposed to save something. And what are H.A.M.’s? All I wanted was to ask if you knew where a guy could get a beer around here. Hell after talking with you two I might need a lot of beers or maybe even something harder.” I exclaimed. “Easy Puissantius. We can never be too careful. I should have never mentioned it. We never know. You see that owl, on the fence beside the Sage? He is always looking, listening. And that guard over there, the dog, they all could be spying on us. The movement is close to acting. And they know it.” Jon advised. “Listen. I am not a spy and I think you may be a little paranoid, about this movement.” I replied. “Puissant. Can I call you that, sounds more local?” Joan asked. “Sure Joan. Why not it seems people around here have been calling me that anyway.” I stated. “Okay Puissant. The H.A.M. are an underground movement. It stands for Humans Against Monsters. We want to rid the whole of Gielinor of every one of these beast. We are starting here, in Lumbridge. And as our members grow, we will one day, when the time is right, eliminate all of them. We would like you to join. Think about it, okay?” Joan explained. “Sure I will. Sounds like a good cause.” I wearily replied. “Good!” Jon said. “Now about that drink. Father Aereck would not allow a pub or bar or even an inn in this town. You will have to go to Varrock, Falador or Port Sarim for that. In Port Sarim is the Rusty Anchor Inn. It is closest but more dangerous to get to. You would go through the forest to the west. In Varrock is Blue Moon Inn and the Dancing Donkey Inn. They all serve beer for 2 coins per glass.” Jon advised. “Oh, and Puissant. You should go to Varrock. There is a clothing store near the town square. You should stay at the inn. A bath would do you good.” Joan informed with a smile. “I guess I will be going along now. I want to smelt some bronze bars and I was planning to go to Varrock to sell them anyway. Thanks for talking with me. I will see you again soon.” I stated. “Good-bye Puissantius, nice talking with you.” They both replied at the same time. I could hear them talking about maybe they should have never told me about the H.A.M as I walked toward the smelter. I will have to come back later and see if they will tell me more.
The blacksmith was adding some coal to the forge and asked me if I would pump the bellows as he arranged it evenly. I could hear the fire increase with intensity as I pumped air into the flames. The smelter was getting hotter and the cast iron casing around the fire brick lined oven was beginning to glow. The blacksmith motioned to me I could stop and he turned back toward the anvil where he grabbed some tool and pulled his molten metal from the forge. He indicated to me I could use the smelter. He pointed to where there was pots to melt metals and molds to pour them into. I gathered equal parts of copper and tin, putting them in a pot and placed it in the forge. I pumped some additional air in from the bellows and waited for the mixture to melt. Once the metals were completely melted I poured it into molds and cooled it with water. I received 28 bars of some high quality bronze. I am not sure what the value would be but it probably is enough. It was getting late in the day. The food the Goblins were cooking across the river smelled delicious. I was thinking maybe I would buy some bait and fish on the river. That would be safer than killing something like chickens. I laughed when I thought how a chicken was so tough and the duke believes I can kill a dragon. I went to the fishing store and got some worms. I sat on the bank watching the Goblins fighting with some adventurers. It did not take long until I had caught a nice mess of fish. Some good sized trout and a few crawfish. I had quite a few worms left. I took them over to the gardener and asked if I could put them in the garden. She was happy to see me add them. Worms are good in a garden. Maybe one day I can plant something. After cutting some wood for a fire I cooked my fish. Thinking about tomorrow, this will be the day I move to Varrock. I am excited to visit a new city! They say it is a big place with many shops and places to see. How wonderful this sounds. Buying some new clothes and trading on the Grand Exchange will be the first thing I want to do. Then I really would like to get a room at one of the inns. Take a nice long bath then go downstairs to the pub, drink a few beers and eat some food. Sleeping in a bed will be so comfortable. Bed, home, kitchen would truly make my life more comforting. They say there is an estate agent in Varrock. Hopefully it will not cost too much. Adding some more wood on the fire I curl up and go to sleep.
Authors Post Note
This marks the end of chapter one. In the next chapter Puissantius will travel to the city of Varrock. Varrock is a large old city on planet Gielinor. He will learn about all the gods and the role each play in the story. Varrock is the home of the largest library in Gielinor. Here Puissant will meet Reldo the librarian who will direct him to all the written knowledge of history. It is then Puissant will learn that he is now in the sixth age, something epic has occurred. Will you continue with him on this journey?
Wade Lancaster 