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Date Posted: 11:14:18 12/07/01 Fri
Author: Ravin (and the old man)
Subject: The tests of enlightenment
In reply to: Isobel 's message, "Curiouser and curiouser" on 04:30:03 12/07/01 Fri

The old man almost chuckled when he saw the perplexed expressions on the faces of his guests. Obviously they did not realize that Fate had led them to this place for Fate had a hand in all things of importance. "Did any of you stop to wonder why you are here?" he asked. "This place is well hidden and yet you have discovered it. Does that not tell you anything? Are you simply curious fools crawling around the inside of a mountain or are you indeed Chosen?"

Ravin's brow furrowed in thought. "Chosen?" The thief remained on guard although he sensed no ill intent coming from the man.

"Chosen to take the tests of enlightenment," the man explained. Now that he had their full attention, he once again beckoned them to join him at the table. After they were seated he poured them each a glass of wine. "The benefits of enlightenment are many, but each failure demands a price. I am known as Thunder, the kami of good fortune. Only those possessing an extreme thirst for enlightenment are allowed access into my abode, and once here there is no turning back until the tests are completed."

He gave his guests a charming smile before taking a drink from his wineglass. "You have come here of your own free will, have you not? Therefore, you must now accept the path that lies before you. In order to leave this place you must first take the tests."

Thinking that he had explained things sufficiently, Thunder rose from his chair to the wall displaying a tapestry of a nature scene. When he waved his hand before the wall it became to shimmer then turned into a rapidly swirling mist. Ravin rose, suddenly feeling compelled to go into the mist. He was staring so intently at the mist that he didn't even realize that Erlic and Isobel were walking beside him.

"Remember," Thunder said, "the benefits of enlightenment are many, but each failure demands a price"

Unable to help themselves, Ravin, Erlic, and Isobel dove into the swirling mist. They felt themselves spinning as if they had been sucked into the heart of a whirlpool. Just when Ravin thought he was going to be sick to his stomach the spinning stopped, and he found himself sitting on a dirt floor beside his friends, who seemed to share the confusion he felt at the moment.

They found themselves in a large cave-like circular room with no doors. In the center of the room stood a brick well with two serpent statues on each side of it. Carved into the front of the well were words written in the common tongue.

More valuable than gold, more precious than silk,
Pouring like wine, flowing like milk,
A count's mighty feast, an offering of war,
A pack is now sealed, forever more.
If you wish to succeed, I need this,
Before you can proceed.

Since Ravin couldn't read he simply stared at words and waited for one of his companions to tell them what they said.

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