Questions

It was musty and damp. The darkness prevented Ameer from seeing to far down the corridor he now found himself in. Moss covered the stone walls of the passage.

Gamaron began to walk. Ameer knew there was much to talk about; he had so many questions. The first one came, “Why are we here?”

Gamaron explained that during his research expedition yesterday, he discovered a stone tablet that he believed related to the Aspects and Champions. Before he could transcribe it, he was forced to flee. He had been attacked by goblins. He hoped that Ameer could help protect him this time around.

Ameer was a bit nervous at the thought of having to fight something he had only just learned existed, but kept his sword handy in case the need arose.

Gamaron went on to talk about the conflict between the Aspects. Gamaron theorized that this was not the first time all of this had happened. “The stone table may provide more insight.”

Ameer asked Gamaron if he had heard of someone who went by the name Mirage. Gamaron told him that the name sounded familiar and that he thought he had heard Masquerade mention it before.

Conversation went on from topic to topic for a while. Gamaron told Ameer about the “trunk” he plans to launch past the moon, Ameer asked Gamaron if he could teach him magic, and Ameer asked for advice on his situation regarding his father.

Eventually the conversation turned to the topic of Ameer’s encounters with Uschas. As Gamaron explained what he knew of the Aspects, Ameer began to worry that he may be being deceived by Uschas, or that perhaps Uschas was being deceived by her neighboring Aspect, Meganna. At this time Gamaron also explained the Circle of the Aspects.

Followed

“Did you hear that?” Gamaron stopped. He told Ameer they were being followed and would need a plan if they were to continue.

Ameer was faced with a tough decision. He was already nervous about encountering danger here, but knowing it was almost certain if they continued made him hesitate. Gamaron left it up to Ameer to decide: They could leave now, giving Gamaron time to prepare a portal, or continue on and risk being attacked.

Ameer decided that they should leave, and Gamaron began to channel a portal spell. After a moment, doubt cleared from his mind. Ameer stopped Gamaron. They could make it, Ameer wanted to press on.

Gamaron looked down the passage where the stalker once was, to find it empty. “Goblin scout, no doubt about it.” They would have to move quickly, and even then, a hunting party could be on the way.

Ameer had the idea to gather moss from the sides of the tunnels. They could light it on fire later on to block the passage and gain some time.

Once enough was gathered, they quickly set off down through the Depths, going much quicker than before. They continued their conversations from earlier, before Gamaron stopped once again.

He heard conversation coming from the next right. The two stopped to listen. Gamaron could hear that it was the common tongue. Peaking around the corner, Ameer saw two men, flanked by torches, standing in hooded purple robes guarding another passage. Ameer decided that this wasn’t the best time to investigate, but had a lingering interest in what might be over there. The two shuffled past silently and continued on.

“I recognize this area; we’re close!” Gamaron told him. By now they could hear the Goblins making their way ever closer, catching up. It was time to set their plan into action, they bunched the moss up across the path, and Gamaron lit it with his staff. There was no time to waste, they pressed on.

A Dagger Well Thrown

Finally they arrived at the room containing the tablet. It was quite large, and sat on a pile of rubble. Gamaron set to work right away, while Ameer prepared defenses. Ameer carried stones to pile at the doorway as a hurdle for the goblins to clear.

It wasn’t long before the goblins arrived. There were five of them in total. One stood in the back and directed the others, who pushed against the stone wall Ameer had constructed. The one in back locked his eyes to Ameer’s and pointed at him, screaming in an unknown language. Ameer swung his sword wildly, not really knowing what he was doing.

The leader climbed upon the shoulders of the others, attempting to make it over the wall. Ameer aimed his sword at the face of the goblin and caught him across the eye. The goblin fell back screeching in pain.

The wall was beginning to fall, Ameer knew they didn’t have long. “Done!” Gamaron shouted. Ameer saw him hurry to the other side of the tablet to begin casting the portal. Ameer stood back and threw stones as the goblins made their way over the wall. Two of them were knocked out, but one made it fully over and latched onto Ameer’s shirt. Ameer tried to shake him, and soon he found another one grabbing onto his leg.

Ameer tried to shuffle his way to the portal, but was nearly immobilized by the child-sized goblins hanging onto him. The goblin with the slashed eye stood on the rubble of the wall, aiming a dagger at Ameer. Time seemed to slow down, and the dagger left the goblin’s hand. Ameer felt as if he were trapped in a pool of molasses. The dagger came closer and closer, aimed at his head. Ameer threw his head to the side, and heard the whistle of the dagger as it cut the wind by his ear. It was an incredible dodge!

“The portal is ready! Hurry!” A surge of adrenaline brought Ameer back to reality. He shook his leg violently, loosing the goblin attached there. Ameer toppled through the portal with one still hanging on him. He looked back, the slash-eyed goblin staring at him as the portal closed. Ameer made quick work of the final goblin, leaving blood covering Gamaron’s study.

It was over. Ameer said his goodbyes to Gamaron. It had been three hours since he left. He had to find Shereem and his father. He knew his father wouldn’t be happy. Gamaron clapped his hands, and Ameer found himself outside the tower once again.

10 Days Remain

The Climb

Shereem took it back. She didn’t want to tell him, but Ameer pressed on, and it came out. The day before Ameer’s mother died, Shereem remembered Raj visiting her house. She told Ameer that she overheard him asking her dad, the doctor, for a poison. That’s all she could remember.

Ameer said nothing. He turned away from Shereem and began his climb up the tower, pushing the implications from his mind.

Halfway up his climb, a voice stopped him. He looked down and saw a masked man standing below. The masked man told Ameer that he was breaking and entering, and to come back down. When Ameer refused, the masked man tossed a grappling hook up to the window, and began to climb.

Ameer was the first to reach the top. He found himself in a round, candlelit room. A desk pressed against the wall to his right, and bookshelves lined most of the room. Ameer quickly made his way around the room, putting out the candles. He hid in the shadows, waiting for the masked man to arrive.

Before long, Ameer saw the masked man climb into the large window frame. The man called out, once more imploring Ameer to leave. He walked to the center of the room, drawing his sword. Ameer tryed to make his way quietly to a nearby staircase, but stumbled.

The man stopped him, and the two got to talking. He introduced himself, saying the people called him Masquerade, one of the Six Mysteries of Riyadh.

Ameer wanted to know more about the Phantom. Masquerade told him to wait, that the Phantom was out, but would return soon. Ameer complied.

The Phantom

It started with a soft fizzle, which grew louder over time. “He’s coming,” said Masquerade calmly. Between two bookshelves, a pink glow started to spread. Crystals started forming a the glow, and began spreading out in a large oval, forming a man-sized hole in the wall. A man walked through the hole. He was tall and bald with a well-groomed beard. He carried a staff and wore mundane attire.

He didn’t acknowledge either of them. He simply stepped forward as the hole closed itself behind him. He snapped his fingers and the candles all re-lit themselves. Ameer was stunned and maybe a bit frightened, but the man payed him no mind. Ameer assumed this was the Phantom.

The Phantom walked across the room to his desk and began writing fervently. Ameer asked where he came from, to which the Phantom simply replied, “A research expedition.” Ameer questioned further, asking what sort of research. “Goblins.”

Ameer asked if he was indeed the Phantom that people talked about. The man stopped writing for the first time and turned to Ameer. He told Ameer that he was indeed the Phantom, one of the Riyadh’s mysteries. He went on to introduce himself properly. He told Ameer his name, Gamaron. “So, why did you come?” He asked, busying himself.

Ameer told him that he came to learn, came to find out about the Phantom, came for knowledge. Gamaron turned back to Ameer, and stood up in front of him, “And did you find knowledge?” His voice slightly louder than it was before.

Bewildered, Ameer decided it was time to leave. “Come back anytime”, said Gamaron. Ameer asked if there was any easier way for him to do so, to which Gamaron replied, “I’ll figure something out.” Ameer and Masquerade made their exit and descended the tower.

Patrol

Once at the bottom, Ameer and Masquerade got to talking. Masquerade explained that he walks the streets at night, sort of like a guard, but working alone. He went on to talk about some of the people he saved, mentioning the Panther, another of Riyadh’s mysteries. Ameer still wanted to learn more about this town, so invited himself to join Masquerade’s prowl tonight.

Around that time, Shereem made her way up to the two. Ameer almost forgot she came with him. Ameer introdh5. uced Shereem to Masquerade, who in turn introduced himself to Shereem, kneeling and kissing the back of her hand when he did.

Ameer suggested that Shereem should get some rest. They were planning on leaving in the morning. Shereem agreed, and Ameer promised to be along soon, claiming he was restless. Shereem left with a wave and a, “Nice to meet you!”

Masquerade led Ameer around the poor districts of Riyadh, along his typical patrol routes. They weren’t finding anything interesting. Ameer spoke up. He wanted to know about the other Mysteries of Riyadh.

Masquerade led him to a large bronze statue in another district. Apparently, the locals referred to it as the Shifting Statue.

While investigating the statue, a roar echoed out, and Masquerade took off. Ameer kept up with him, following behind through winding streets and alleys. A second roar came.

Soon, they arrived at a dark alley. Standing furtively between shadow and light, was the Panther. Masquerade drew his sword, and Ameer armed himself with his climbing picks. The Panther seemed to instinctively back up, almost drawing completely into the shadows.

Ameer slowly put his picks away, and Masquerade followed his lead, sheathing his blade. Shaking, Ameer slowly stepped forward. The Panther stepped from the shadows, coming within mere steps of Ameer. The Panther stared and Ameer stared back. Then it hit him. Ameer became overwhelmingly tired, and collapsed on the spot.

Gaining Knowledge

He woke to find Masquerade kneeling over him. He wasn’t sure how long he was out for, but Masquerade ensured him it wasn’t long. The Panther was gone. The two decided they should return to Gamaron and report the incident.

Back at the tower, Gamaron was still scribbling away at his desk, and Ameer proceeded to tell him what happened.

Gamaron stopped to seriously discuss the matter. “Mystic eyes,” Gamaron explained, “A type of spell that requires eye contact; a sleep spell by the sounds of things.”

“How does a panther learn magic?” Ameer asked.

“Don’t be silly,” laughed Gamaron, “The real question is, how does magic learn panther? There is a tribe in the Wetlands, to the East, who may just know the answer to that. I could take you there, if you would in exchange, accompany me on an expedition…”

The two worked out an agreement, Ameer would go with Gamaron on a trip to the Depths, and in exchange Gamaron would help investigate the Panther.

While he was here, Ameer questioned Gamaron on the nature of the Aspects and told him about his dreams. Ameer told him that Uschas chose him as a Champion. Ameer asked if Gamaron had heard anything like that before.

Gamaron’s face went pale, “That is exactly what I am researching right now.” After a moment of silence, Gamaron hurried Ameer and Masquerade off. It was decided that Ameer would return in the morning to hold up his end of the deal, and then Gamaron could question him further about his involvement with the Aspects.

Ameer and Masquerade took their leave, but before they parted, Masquerade told Ameer that he wouldn’t be able to make it in the morning. When questioned, Masquerade stayed quiet, refusing to reveal the details.

Ameer returned to Shigardo’s for the night. It had been a long day, Ameer was eager for rest.

Watching – Checkpoint Set

As had become typical for Ameer, he woke once again on the moon. “I’ve been watching you,” Uschas told him.

Ameer asked her how it was, to which she replied, “Fun.”

A bit confused by her response, Ameer returned to his world with a shake. His father knealt over him, attempting to rouse him from his slumber.

It was time to leave, the caravan was ready and waiting just outside the city. Ameer begged Raj to stall them. After a bit of arguing, Raj agreed to do all he could. Raj expressed worry, not over what Shigardo might say, but his brother, Krenetel. Raj left Ameer to do whatever it was that he wanted to do and left to stall the caravan.

Shereem came into the room. Ameer directed her to visit the Shifting Statue and wait for him. Shereem agreed, and left to find the landmark.

Ameer had plans of his own. He was off to pay a visit to Chazarr in the market. Chazarr was surprised to see him, and told him so. It should have taken him over a week to make it to the City in the Wall and back!

Chazarr was hesitant to trade the sword back for the picks, but after some persuading from Ameer, made the trade. The trade, however, came with an extra price: Ameer left the poppy seed pod he kept from his home, Junbar, in Chazarr’s care. Ameer promised he would return with a treasure to trade in return.

After securing his sword, Ameer made his way to Gamaron’s tower. Unsure how to enter during the day, Ameer threw a rock up into the tower window, and in an instant was teleported onto the top floor of the tower.

Gamaron appeared tired, but quickly readied himself for the trip. Ameer dressed himself in some of Gamaron’s clothes, being still shirtless from before.

While Ameer dressed, Gamaron chatted idly, mentioning that Masquerade couldn’t join them, a fact that Ameer already knew. Gamaron went on, saying she was busy. Ameer questioned him immediately, and Gamaron realized his mistake. Gamaron made Ameer promise not to mention that he had spilled the beans, to which Ameer agreed.

The portal in the wall crackled open once again, and Ameer followed Gamaron into a grimy corridor. The portal closed behind them, and darkness caved in. Gamaron tapped his staff lightly on the dirt beneath their feet, and a small flame lit atop his staff.

“Welcome to the Depths.”

10 Days Remain

Waking on the Moon

Ameer woke slowly. Rather than finding himself in the field he fell asleep in, or back at home in his bed, he now found himself in a desert of white dusty sand and rocks. Voices nearby drew his attention, and he pulled himself slowly along the landscape towards them.

Hiding behind a large rock, Ameer watched. A beautiful woman sat on a throne of white sand addressing another figure who knelt before her, shrouded in purple smoke. After a moment, the smokey figure vanished, and the woman spoke, “Ameer, I’ve been expecting you.” She introduced herself as Uschas, Aspect of Night. Uschas went on to explain that Ameer was brought here by her.

The Aspects are at odds with each other and, in order to determine which of them is the most powerful, have each picked a Champion from the mortal realm to represent them. The winner of this struggle will be the Aspect who’s Champion is the last one standing. That Champion will be granted one Great Wish. Uschas chose Ameer to become her Champion. Ameer was told that he had two weeks to prepare.

Uschas then told Ameer of the power she had granted him, the Dream Leap, and gave him a small embroidered bag full of the white sand. She explained that he would need it to return and sent him back to his world.

Back in the Field

Ameer woke up in the same field he remembered falling asleep in after fleeing Junbar. He found his father by the edge of a nearby river dressing a wound on his right hand.

Raj told Ameer of his desire to return to the place he grew up; the Old Country. Ameer agreed, and the two of them decided to first return to Junbar for supplies.

Raj wanted some time alone to clear his head and walked off. Ameer sat alone on the river bank. Something shining in the water caught his eye. He waded in, and pulled a sword from the bottom of the river!

After showing Raj the sword, and having some more brief discussion, the two set off for Junbar.

Junbar in Ruins

Junbar was all but destroyed as a result of the events of the previous night. It became a ghost town over night.

Raj set to work gathering what he could from what was once their home; meanwhile, Ameer checked nearby houses for anything of value. As Ameer searched, he heard sobbing coming from the house of the town doctor. Inside he found Shereem, who hugged him tightly as soon as she saw him. Ameer invited Shereem to join him and his father on their trip to the Old Country. With few other options, Shereem agreed.

Raj was hesitant to allow Shereem to join them, but gave in. The three of them continued to gather what they could until sundown. Ameer found a small box full of coins. No other survivors were found.

Shereem slept in Ameer’s bed; Ameer took the floor, slipping the pouch Uschas had given him under his head. He soon fell asleep.

Ameer woke up and was greeted by Uschas. Glad to see everything was working as expected, Ameer lay down before Uschas and returned to the mortal realm.

Leaving for Riyadh

Sunlight peaked in through cracks around the door of Ameer’s house. Shereem was missing from her bed. When Ameer passed through the front room to exit the house and look for her, he accidentally walked in on her changing. Ameer tried to sneak out of the room unnoticed, but was unsuccessful. Shereem didn’t seem particularly offended though.

Once all of the supplies were gathered, the trio set off down the road to the north for Riyadh. Raj hoped to secure their transport with a caravan from there to the Old Country.

It was going to be a long journey on foot. Every now and then, Raj would take a sip from their canteen, and Ameer became stressed over their water situation.

After six hours on foot, they decided to stop for a rest. Ameer headed off to try and find a stream to refill the canteen, but didn’t have any luck.

The group pressed on for another six hours before deciding to part from the road to camp for the night. Raj quickly fell asleep, but Ameer could see something was bothering Shereem. “Your father… Is he a good man?” She asked.

Ameer comforted her, ensuring her that he was and then lay down to sleep; however, Ameer chose to forgo the pouch of sand this night. He decided he wanted to do things differently, and set the clock back to his last checkpoint, before they left for this trip.

Leaving for Riyadh

Sunlight peaked in through cracks around the door of Ameer’s house. Shereem was missing from her bed. Ameer was careful not to disturb her changing this time.

Remembering the water dilemma they had encountered before, Ameer made sure to find and bring extra canteens. Ameer and Shereem filled the canteens together at the well in town. Once again, Shereem asked about Ameer’s father, and Ameer pressed her hard about the question. Shereem clammed up quickly, but promised to tell him why she asked later. Once all of the supplies were gathered, the trio set off down the road to the north for Riyadh.

It was going to be a long journey on foot. Every now and then, Raj would take a sip from his canteen.

After six hours on foot, they decided to stop for a rest. Ameer headed off to try and find a stream to refill their canteens. After a bit of searching, a roar echoed from up ahead. Startled, Ameer pressed on, and eventually came to side of a small stream. He quickly filled the canteens, but as he stood to leave he came face to face with a large black panther standing on the opposite side of the stream. Ameer ran back to the others.

The group pressed on for another six hours before deciding to part from the road to camp for the night. Raj quickly fell asleep, but Ameer could see something was bothering Shereem. He pressed her again about her question regarding her father, but she insisted the time wasn’t right.

Ameer lay himself down, the pouch securely under his head this time. He woke once more in the presence of the Aspect of Night, before once again returning from whence he came.

The Trading Capital

Ameer woke first, and slipped the sand bag into his pocket before waking the others. After a little preparation, they took to the road, and six hours later, came to the colossal city of Riyadh.

The city bustled, and street vendors called out to them as they followed Raj through the winding streets, to what was clearly a poorer side of town. Raj walked up to a small, rough looking house. “We’re here,” he said.

Raj knocked. A moment later, a large, bearded man appeared at the door. The two shared a hug. Raj introduced the man as an old friend, Shigardo.

Shigardo invited them in, and Raj told Shigardo of their troubles. Shigardo suggested that they hammer out the details privately, so Ameer and Shereem made their way back outside.

Ameer could hear their voices raise after a minute of sitting outside with Shereem, but he couldn’t discern their words. Shereem broke the silence. She asked Ameer why he wanted to go to the Old Country, and asked if he would consider staying here instead. She said she could stay too, and blushed softly. Ameer thought he was reading the mood correctly, and leaned in for a kiss, but Shereem turned away.

A moment later, Raj came out of Shigardo’s house with a smile on his face. He invited Ameer to take a walk with him, so that they might discuss the terms of the arrangement he made with Shigardo. Shigardo had agreed to take them privately in his wagon, to the Old Country, by caravan.

It didn’t take long for Ameer to figure out that Raj wasn’t telling him everything. Raj hesitantly spilled the details. Shereem was to be turned over to Shigardo as payment for their food and transport.

Ameer immediately refused the arrangement, but after talking more about it with Raj, agreed to the terms, on one condition. The condition being that Ameer would be able to do any one thing of his choice at some point in the future, without any questions from Raj. Raj agreed, and the two made their way back to Shigardo’s house.

When they returned, Ameer requested a few coins from Raj. Raj complied, hoping Shigardo wouldn’t notice a few coins missing. Ameer then decided to take a walk, alone.

The Phantom’s Tower

While walking around town, a large tower in the middle of the district caught Ameer’s eye. He walked toward it.

Soon, Ameer arrived in front of the tower. Strangely, no door could be found. A group of children were playing in the area, so Ameer asked them about it. They told him it was inhabited by the Phantom.

Fascinated by such a mystery, Ameer made up his mind. He wanted to get to the bottom of this. He sent several children out to gather supplies for them, promising them some money in return.

Suddenly, one of the children rushed him, snatching the pouch of sand right out of Ameer’s pocket. Ameer tried desperately to grab the child before he could make off with it, but the child escaped! Ameer chased him through the town, weaving quickly to keep up. Ameer caught up with him in an alley, and promptly beat his ass.

Ameer returned to the tower, to find all of his supplies gone, along with many of the children.

Frustrated, he made his way to the market to seek out an alternative. He found luck at a small tool stand, Chazarr’s Bazaar. Ameer asked the owner if he had anything in the way of climbing equipment. The owner of the stand, Chazarr was willing to help Ameer, insisting he knew of Ameer’s plans. Chazarr let him borrow a pair of climbing picks in exchange for his sword. If Ameer couldn’t return within one week, Chazarr would keep the sword.

Ameer walked back to Shigardo’s. He told Raj of his plan to enter the tower that night. Raj would have no part of it, but as per the condition of their earlier deal, agreed to not question it.

Ameer asked Shereem if she would accompany him, and after some deliberation, she agreed. While walking to the tower, Ameer asked again about Shereem’s question. Shereem paused, and then said, “It’s about your mom.”

11 Days Remain

Night 1

The story began with a dream. A blurry, ever-changing figure approached. It was Ameer’s father, Raj. The smell of smoke filled his nostrils. He woke.

The glow of fire could be seen through his window, and the open door of his small home. Screams of terror echoed throughout the village, Junbar.

Ameer stepped out into the chaos. The village burned around him. His neighbors were being beaten and carried away screaming. A large hand grabbed Ameer by the shoulder, “Where do you think you’re going?”

Ameer struggled to free himself from the man’s grasp, but was overpowered. The man dragged Ameer off to a caged cart. He was thrown inside, along with many other villagers, and in time the cart drove off. Ameer looked around for his father, but he was no where to be seen.

In time, the cart stopped at a long adobe building. The Junbar villagers were herded inside and the door was barred from outside.

Ameer resigned himself to his fate, and fell asleep there in the darkness, amongst the hushed whispers of the others.

Night 1

The story began with a dream. A blurry, ever-changing figure approached. Ameer recognized him as the bandit who had just captured him. The smell of smoke filled his nostrils. He woke.

The glow of fire could be seen through his window, and the open door of his small home. Screams of terror echoed throughout the village, Junbar.

Ameer stepped out into the chaos. The village burned around him. His neighbors were being beaten and carried away screaming.

Ameer ran. He ran until his legs gave out. He lay there, alone in a field as sleep overwhelmed his exhausted state.

Ameer felt a poke to his ribs. His eyes cracked open, sunlight silhouetted three figures standing over him. “Load him on the cart.”

He had been captured again… or so he thought. The cart wasn’t a prison, but rather an open cart. Ameer was helped to his feet and then walked to the cart. The two men who helped him took their seats at the front.

The third climbed aboard the cart and sat opposite Ameer. Purple robes billowed in the wind, and face obscured by a purple veil. They sat in silence for a while as the cart moved forward.

The third shifted, and undid the veil. An image of beauty, the third revealed herself to be a beautiful woman. She introduced herself as Mirage. She spoke in a mysterious fashion that gave Ameer the impression she knew more than she was letting on.

Ameer talked with her for a time. He told her what had happened so far, and his desire to reunite with his father. Mirage listened to his tale, and then said, “Why don’t we go back one more time.” Ameer’s gaze was locked into her stare, and he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Night 1

The story began with a dream. A blurry, ever-changing figure approached. Ameer recognized her as the woman he just met, Mirage. The smell of smoke filled his nostrils. He woke.

The glow of fire could be seen through his window, and the open door of his small home. Screams of terror echoed throughout the village, Junbar.

Ameer stepped out into the chaos. The village burned around him. His neighbors were being beaten and carried away screaming. Among that chaos, perfectly calm, stood Mirage. She took Ameer’s hand in hers and pulled him effortlessly through the nightmare, right up to Raj.

Ameer hugged his father, overjoyed. When he went to thank Mirage, she was gone.

Raj took Ameer by the hand, and the two of them ran out of the village. They ran until their legs gave out. They lay there, together in a field as sleep overwhelmed them.