A conversation between an Elder and an Acolyte of the Cathedral as they go about a daily lesson:
“My Good Son, what wisdom do you seek of me today?”
“Dear Elder, as a lowly acolyte, I am hoping that you could teach me about the history of our beautiful city, the lands around, and the mysteries that go unanswered.”
“My Good Son, I shall try. Please take a seat, take up quill and ink, and record what I shall relay to you on the parchments in front of you.
These lands were settled well more than a dozen ages ago, my family came to these lands around the time of the second founding, when the port was constructed yet before the creation of the Great Walls. My family has always ministered to the city locals and the travelers from abroad who seek our blessing. The hands of my forebears helped to consecrate the walls of the Chapel, and then later build the walls of the Cathedral. Our God, Fharlanghn, to which the Cathedral has been consecrated, has led the Port, then the Village, then the Town, and now the City Elders to prosperity. Our wise and understanding Patron, Fharlanghn has provided the guidance and insight to transform our once fledgling port to the grand city that we find today.
The lands around us are plentiful and bountiful. North of the city, beyond the river and forest, are the farmlands and ranches that provide the grains, fruits, and wool for the city centered around the settlement of Beadale. North of Beadale is the mining town of Otian, where parties set out into the northern mountains and return with ore, gems, and minerals that are turned into the weapons and armor of the guard. In the western expanses of the plains is a large lake, Vollous, where a town, Volland, has been founded to catch fish and bounty of the waters and facilitate the movement of logging materials from Greyn, on the extreme western edge of the plains bordering the Great Forest that lies beyond the pass. Between Volland and Otian rests Kylead in the plains of the west, a training center for armies should defense be needed again. To the south of our city, nestled deep within the wood, is Kyfathalas where students identified by the elven visitors to our city may go to learn the ways of the wood and the magic of nature.
Across our lands, there is a calm, but that is being broken by intrusions from the northern mountains, and a number of the guard have been sent to station there, along with some of our brothers to ensure the morale of the men.
As for mysteries, what can I answer for you my child?”
“Dear Elder, can you tell me why the Chapel remains even as the Cathedral stands? Why are we no longer admitted entrance to the Chapel? Can you tell me what of the dragons that were seen in the lands? Can you tell me how I can help in the Hospital? Can you tell me how I can gain piety and serve at the altar of the Cathedral? Can you….”
‘Calm, now, Good Son!! Your heart is too conflicted with all of these questions; as some are not meant for us to know; or at least not for me to provide to you. I will try to answer for you what I feel you should know, but some mysteries you will have to divine yourself.
The Chapel is a site of holiness, and as such was needed to stand during the construction of the Cathedral; you cannot rob one to buoy the other. When the Cathedral was completed the Chapel fell into disrepair, and the High Elders decided it should not be disturbed, and as such it was locked and boarded. This was done swiftly, some of the statements say that the Chapel was declared abandoned and sealed in one night. None were admitted the archives, and some of the scholars believe that were still great works contained in that Chapel.
We are not admitted for, after ages without upkeep, the building may not be sound of structure; hence all are dissuaded from attempting entrance. I can see it in your eyes, and yes, Good Son, I know that there are rumors of voices or lights in the Chapel, and I will say to you again that these are merely the delusions of the weary, the ramblings of the drunkards, or the mischievous putting their own desires onto that building. Bah! I wish I could keep it from site so as to not be so desecrated!
I am not sure how your mind has come to think of fanciful things such as Dragons! Are not the sufferings of our fellow man here and across these lands cause enough for care without needing to try to bring to life a fey creature of legend? Come, come, Dear Son, let not your heart mediate on these things.
For helping in the hospital, you should practice with the Elven elders and learn the ways of medicine from them, or find yourself a place in the clerical order and learn the divine crafts to aid in the healing of your flock. Your path here is still to be found by you, it is up to you to find it and walk it on your own.
If your calling is to serve in the Cathedral, the High Elders will find you and call upon you. They constantly are in meditation to find the proper amongst us to join their ranks, or those that would best serve the Cathedral by being sent abroad in missionary service. Just last week they sent another of our order, an inquisitive young lad who was curious and studious away from the cathedral into service. Although his questions to me had always been about Greyn and the Great Forest beyond, the High Elders saw him most fit for a post in Otian, as he was needed to help with the troops who daily foray into the mountains.
Remember this! While you may have a preference of a path, the High Elders and Fharlanghn will always know the right road for you to walk, and you should always defer your road to them.”
“Dear Elder, thank you for your time. Are the grounds of the Chapel still allowed to us, the pious, to roam and walk for reflection? I should very much like to meditate on the history or our order in a place of tranquility and calm.’
“Good Son, I do not believe that would violate any of the commandments of the High Elders, but do mind that if you are directed to come away then you should do so at once.’
“Thank you, Dear Elder. I shall take my leave of you now. Be well, and may Fharlanghn find you in good health and good fortune on the morrow.’
