Traveler's JunctionThe map to Traveler's Junction ends at a gateway leading out of the castle. You hesitate, remembering Peri-Thali's warning about leaving Dreamspire Castle, but the map is quite clear about its directions. A nearby guard notices your confusion. "Heading out, eh?" he asks. "I take it you're on your way to Traveler's Junction. Take a right at the markstone, keep heading uphill. You can't miss it. Just remember to be polite to the guardian of the links. Rumor is that she takes herself and her position very seriously, and dragonbird mages can be a bit stuffy at the best of times." You thank him and head out through the gate. The markstone is a large stone pillar with directions, distances, and arrows carved into it. As you turn right, a small unicorn comes trotting down the trail. It is barely two feet high, dark with silvery dappling and a translucent jade-green horn that matches its eyes. You step aside to let it pass. "Oh - going to the Junction, I see. I bet the guards at Dreamspire told you to be on your best." It snorts, flicking its silver-streaked black tail. "Uptight two-leggers, every one of 'em. Listen, I know Swifty. You be all polite to her, she'll just show you the dull, official links. Let her know you're a friend, and she'll show you the good stuff." The unicorn winks, then trots off, vanishing down another trail. You proceed up the path to Traveler's Junction. The guard was right. It is impossible to miss the junction. You arrive at a grassy hilltop on which stands a massive structure, similar to Stonehenge, only taller, the massive stones embellished with intricate relief carvings. It appears to be completely empty. Still, your time in the Realm has taught you that all is not as it initially appears, so you gamely walk through the nearest archway. The moment you step inside, you feel a strange shift. Now, you see nothing but inky blackness through the other arches. Behind you, the sunny grass is still thinly visible through a smoky veil. Overhead you see a blanket of stars... no, they are tiny glowing stones, set in a dark stone dome in the forms of unfamiliar constellations. Similar stones and constellations cover the obsidian-tiled floor. In the center of the enclosure stands an ornate pillar, on which rests a milky crystal sphere. Atop it is a strange, small creature, something like a dragon but brightly feathered like a tropical bird. She has bright golden talons, matching her large eyes. As you approach, she speaks, fluffing her brilliant green and blue feathers. "Greetings, traveling dreamer from another world," she intones. Her voice is high and thin, and though her tone is serious you have to fight to keep from laughing. "Know that you have entered the Traveler's Junction. I am Bright-Sun-Morning the Swiftwinged of the Southwater flock, goldclaw master of high magic, member of the Star Circle, guardian of the Fifth Light and keeper of the Gates to All Worlds. What brings you to this most sacred and powerful place?" Goldclaw master? You realize that her claws have actually been gilded, as some sort of mark of rank. You remember the guard's words, but also the unicorn's advice. She certainly seems serious enough, but could it be an act? What do you say to her? "I come from Dreamspire Castle. Would you be so kind as to show me the links?" "I was told you knew some cool places to go when I ditch this dump. How's about it, Swifty?" "I think I took a wrong turn - I'll just head back to Dreamspire Castle for now."
The Realm of the Bright Dreamers 1998 - 2007
by TBW |