Re: Spooky Story Contest - Win Free Platinum!
Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2021 7:23 pm
The Death Of Gwydion
Silence hung in the air like a thick fog, choking me and sending cold shivers racing down my spine. The castle was empty, just like everywhere else. Hesitantly, I took a step. My footsteps echoed through the stone corridors, the sudden noise sending rats scurrying out from behind the empty horse stalls and into the many black, damp corners of the castle. I stopped to listen, hoping the noise didn’t draw the attention of anything else. A few moments later, even the soft scratching of the rats running came to rest. Taking a deep breath, I kept going.
I came upon the once-grand staircase, now covered with cobwebs. Empty suits of armor were littered across the floor, the only evidence of the heroes that once called this castle home. It looked as though no one had been here in decades.
Looking around, an odd statue that protruded from the center of the courtyard caught my eye. Its golden sheen drew me inexplicably towards it. I could just make out faint writing at the base beneath a thick layer of dust. A clue to the barrenness of Gwydion? I wiped away the dust, coughing as I inhaled some of the floating particles. “Bounties,” the board read. I began to peruse the listings, scanning for anything that may help me track down answers when a shrill voice startled me from above.
“You won't find anyone here, I’m afraid.”
I jumped with surprise at the sudden noise, my hand instinctively reaching towards the sword at my belt. An old man with grey hair stood at the top of the staircase.
“They’re all gone,” he repeated.
“Who are you,” I managed in reply, hand still grasping the hilt of my sword.
“They called me Fergal the Noisy. But that was many years ago. I’m afraid I’m the only one left now,” his gaze shifted to the floor.
I watched him carefully as he spoke. His faded robes hung loosely off his frail frame. His hands fidgeted with the tassels adorning them. I removed my hand from my sword and approached the man.
“What happened to them all?” I ask.
“The same thing that happens to them all, I suppose.” He heaved a sigh and continued. “Many left seeking greater riches, some for new adventures. A few will come by on occasion but you’re the first I’ve seen in nearly a decade. There’s just nothing left here for heroes anymore.”
The truth of the situation left me unable to speak.
“My advice is to follow them, young lady. You’ll find no companions and no gold here. If you sail west to Epona-”
“No,” I cut in, finding my voice. “I was sent here to help and that’s what I intend to do.”
A faint smile cut across his face. “In that case, I suggest you begin at Heroes Landing. Send ‘em my way if you come across any others.”
Map in hand, I left the castle behind and made my way towards the coast.
Word Count: 499
Character: Elidora
Level: 220
Class: Ranger
Server: Gwydion
Silence hung in the air like a thick fog, choking me and sending cold shivers racing down my spine. The castle was empty, just like everywhere else. Hesitantly, I took a step. My footsteps echoed through the stone corridors, the sudden noise sending rats scurrying out from behind the empty horse stalls and into the many black, damp corners of the castle. I stopped to listen, hoping the noise didn’t draw the attention of anything else. A few moments later, even the soft scratching of the rats running came to rest. Taking a deep breath, I kept going.
I came upon the once-grand staircase, now covered with cobwebs. Empty suits of armor were littered across the floor, the only evidence of the heroes that once called this castle home. It looked as though no one had been here in decades.
Looking around, an odd statue that protruded from the center of the courtyard caught my eye. Its golden sheen drew me inexplicably towards it. I could just make out faint writing at the base beneath a thick layer of dust. A clue to the barrenness of Gwydion? I wiped away the dust, coughing as I inhaled some of the floating particles. “Bounties,” the board read. I began to peruse the listings, scanning for anything that may help me track down answers when a shrill voice startled me from above.
“You won't find anyone here, I’m afraid.”
I jumped with surprise at the sudden noise, my hand instinctively reaching towards the sword at my belt. An old man with grey hair stood at the top of the staircase.
“They’re all gone,” he repeated.
“Who are you,” I managed in reply, hand still grasping the hilt of my sword.
“They called me Fergal the Noisy. But that was many years ago. I’m afraid I’m the only one left now,” his gaze shifted to the floor.
I watched him carefully as he spoke. His faded robes hung loosely off his frail frame. His hands fidgeted with the tassels adorning them. I removed my hand from my sword and approached the man.
“What happened to them all?” I ask.
“The same thing that happens to them all, I suppose.” He heaved a sigh and continued. “Many left seeking greater riches, some for new adventures. A few will come by on occasion but you’re the first I’ve seen in nearly a decade. There’s just nothing left here for heroes anymore.”
The truth of the situation left me unable to speak.
“My advice is to follow them, young lady. You’ll find no companions and no gold here. If you sail west to Epona-”
“No,” I cut in, finding my voice. “I was sent here to help and that’s what I intend to do.”
A faint smile cut across his face. “In that case, I suggest you begin at Heroes Landing. Send ‘em my way if you come across any others.”
Map in hand, I left the castle behind and made my way towards the coast.
Word Count: 499
Character: Elidora
Level: 220
Class: Ranger
Server: Gwydion