Story arc #4
The Hero of Pendown
The start of a ‘choose your own’ tale
This is the beginning of a collaborative ‘Choose Your Own’ tale. Check out how you can contribute, as well as read other amazing entries here.
You have adventured across the wild lands of Pendown for years. You have thwarted corrupt lords, slain dragons, and quested throughout the realm to bring peace and justice to the world.
Now, the world is changing once again.
For two weeks, you have been exploring an unknown mountain cave system when you are approached by a fellow adventurer. He is many years your junior and seems unaccustomed to the brisk pace you’re keeping.
“Hero, please hold!” he cries, finally in earshot of you. He waves a piece of parchment in his hands, careful not to drop it. “Grand Heirophant Eshami begs your audience! Please return with me at once to the palace. She wishes to speak with you personally.”
You accept the letter with little grace. What was so important that they would send such a wet-behind-the-ears scout to deliver a message to me? you think to yourself.
You examine the parchment, folded and stamped with the blue seal of the Pendown High Court. It is indeed a legitimate summons. You haven’t received one in years!
The letter reads:
Dearest hero; Forgive me this letter I must deliver unto you. The world threatens to once again be torn asunder by the forces of evil, and I would trust only you to save us from destruction. The King has already gifted you with gold, furs, lands and titles, but if you could lend your sword to his cause but once more, we shall be forever in your debt. Forever in my thoughts and prayers, Eshami
Odd, you think — the Grand Heirophant was rarely known for sending personalized requests. The matter at hand must be important indeed!
“Very well, Scout,” you say to the courier, passing the letter back to him. You try to sound uninterested, but the thought of some unknown peril has set your blood flowing! “Let us return to Pendown at once.”
The courier holds out his hands and begins an incantation. Blue and green energies swirl around, enveloping his body, and then yours. Your vision of the mountains fades to black.
Your vision slowly brightens into a brightly-lit domed auditorium. Stained-glass windows reach up to the vaulted ceilings, casting their many colors against the ivory walls.
You regain your senses. You are standing atop the altar of the city’s cathedral. The pews are nearly full to capacity with all manner of noble and peasant, many dressed as though they arrived without changing out of their sleeping attire.
The scout is on bended knee even before the Grand Heirophant approaches from the main aisle.
“Noble hero, I am so pleased beyond words you have been found!” she says to you, grabbing the scout by the shoulder and twisting him to face you. She bows to you deeply in supplication, and the scout follows suit. “Please come with me. There is something that you must see.”
The crowd in the pews murmurs as Eshami leads you to one of the small exit doors to the side of the cathedral.
She opens the door and motions up to the sky. You peer out the door and look upwards — and gasp in astonishment!
In the sky, floating directly overhead the cathedral, is a giant metal disk! It hovers silently in the sky, and were it to fall, could easily squash the whole city!
“What is that thing?!” you ask, astonished.
Eshami closes the door and leads you back inside.
“It is a ship. A flying ship that rides the stars, and its master has asked for you… by name. That is why you have been summoned here with such urgency, my Hero.”
She continues to guide you past the antechamber into the very back of the building, a private area where the priests and other attendants normally work. She opens a door, and standing before you is a glowing angel!
He is beauty personified, and you know him even though it is your first time setting eyes upon him. He has a glowing silver sword at his side, and feathery wings tucked neatly behind him. On his head rests a glowing golden halo.
“You are indeed the one I seek. You must come and join me on my vessel, for there is a great trial that must be completed. Should you fail, it could spell utter doom for your whole world.”
He stretches out his hand.
“I will accompany you, Great Angel,” you respond, doing your utmost to exude an air of grace.
“Wait!” Eshami drops to her knees and pleads with you. “Please take me with you! I serve only the Gods and I am responsible for you Hero, Servant of God.”
Do you:
2. Tell her she is of more use to the people in the cathedral?
Please consider following my Medium account and subscribing to my email list to stay up-to-date. I also encourage comments as I want to hear what you think! Thanks!
I also have a Ko-fi account set up here. Buy my affections for a Twonie! What’s that? You only have American money? Okay, I’ll accept your $1.70 or so. Geez.
